Subutex Doctors in Peachtree Corners GA and Asheville NC

Subutex, which comes in sublingual tablets (placed under the tongue to dissolve), quickly enters the bloodstream through the mucous membrane in the mouth, binding to receptors in the brain in about an hour. The only active ingredient in Subutex is buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist at the opioid receptor. This drug has a ceiling effect (or a maximum potency), making it safer than other opioids, due to its lower risk of leading to overdose and death if taken in excessive quantities. It is a safe and effective medication commonly used for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). 

Doctors primarily prescribe Subutex for the treatment of opioid use disorder, a form of addiction that is characterized by a predisposition to misuse opioids. The prescribing doctor will give each patient-specific information on how to take their dose of Subutex; each treatment is personalized to meet the unique needs of the patient. The process for taking Subutex may include:

• Place the dose beneath the tongue
• Allow the tablet to dissolve; this may take 5 to 10 minutes
• Do not chew or swallow Subutex tablets—they will only work if dissolved under the tongue
• Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before and after taking Subutex; it is also advised to avoid smoking cigarettes for this time period
• Avoid alcohol while taking Subutex

Subutex is a prescription medication that is similar to Suboxone; while they are both used to treat opioid use disorder, the two substances, their effects and indications have many differences. Suboxone, the more well-known of the two, contains buprenorphine (an opioid) and naloxone (an opioid receptor blocker), whereas Subutex contains only buprenorphine as its active ingredient. This impacts the indicated uses of the drugs, as well as potential candidates. Because of Subutex’s potential for abuse, in more complex cases of an opioid use disorder, Suboxone is often the recommended treatment as it also contains an opioid antagonist (naloxone), which reduces the risk of overdose as well as minimizes withdrawal symptoms.

Not any doctor can prescribe Subutex; there are a number of factors that determine whether or not a doctor can prescribe this medication, including:

• If they have received specialized training
• The number of patients they are currently treating with buprenorphine (as there is a limitation)

Healthcare professionals who have received eight hours of training can prescribe Subutex, including:

• General physicians
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Clinical nurse specialists
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists
• Certified nurse-midwives

In order for a patient to be prescribed Subutex, they must meet two requirements: be over the age of 16, and meet the DSM-V criteria for opioid use disorder. This can be established at a Subutex clinic by a qualified doctor.

If you or someone you love is looking for a quality and trusted opioid use disorder treatment program, come to Ascension Solutions Treatment today! Call us to book an appointment with our Subutex doctors, or visit our clinic. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners, GA, Asheville NC, Roswell GA, Swannanoa NC, Norcross GA, Woodfin NC, Dunwoody GA, Biltmore Forest NC, Johns Creek GA Fairview NC, Azalea NC, Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas.