Suboxone
Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication used in treating those addicted to opioids, illegal or prescription. It contains the ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, blocks the opiate receptors and reduces a person’s urges. The second ingredient, naloxone, helps reverse the effects of opioids. Together, these drugs work to prevent withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction.
Uses of Suboxone
Your doctor may prescribe Suboxone for dependence on short-acting opioids, including heroin and prescription painkillers. Suboxone is typically not recommended for long-acting opioids. Instead, many people use a buprenorphine-only medication.
The first phase of Suboxone use is the withdrawal phase, where symptoms are most uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Suboxone helps alleviate and potentially eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Under the supervision of your doctor, you will move from the withdrawal phase to the maintenance phase. Once treatment has been completed, your doctor may begin reducing your doses until you no longer need the medication.
How Does Suboxone Help Addiction Treatment?
Suboxone can be used during different stages of treatment and offers a long-term solution for managing opioid addiction. When included as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, the medication eliminates opioid cravings altogether.
Since Suboxone is a depressant, it slows you down rather than speeding you up like a stimulant. Those who take the medication may experience:
- Pain relief
- Calmness and overall well-being
- Perceived fewer worries and reduced stress levels
- Relaxation
Follow-up appointments with your prescribing physician is important in ensuring a successful recovery while on Suboxone.
How is Suboxone Administered?
Only a doctor can write scripts for Suboxone. Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific directions during each dose. Medication can be administered through the Suboxone Film or a tablet form.
If you’re using the Suboxone Film, you will need to place it under your tongue in order for it to deliver the right amount of medicine. While the film is dissolving, it’s important to remember:
- Do not chew or swallow the film. This can cause the medicine not to work as well.
- Do not talk while the film is in your mouth. This may also affect how the medicine is absorbed in your body.
As time moves on, your doctor may change the dose to help wean you off medications altogether.
Get the best results with Suboxone by using it as part of a comprehensive recovery program.
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