What to Expect During Subutex Treatment Q&A

Subutex is a medication prescribed for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Subutex comes in tablet form and contains buprenorphine. This ingredient has several benefits for those who are battling OUD, including:

Reduced withdrawal symptoms: Individuals with OUD experience extremely uncomfortable symptoms when going through the process of detoxification. Subutex can alleviate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced by those with OUD.

Enhanced focus: As Subutex allows individuals to feel normal and healthy, it brings about a better focus on other areas of life.

Lower risk of relapse: Due to the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms, such as persistent cravings, individuals who are prescribed medication with buprenorphine are less likely to go through relapse.

Overall, physicians prescribe Subutex as a part of withdrawal symptom management to support the process of recovery. This medication is only available through a prescription for the treatment of opioid dependency.

Both Suboxone and Subutex are FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The primary distinction between the two medications is that Suboxone contains both naloxone and buprenorphine, whereas Subutex only contains buprenorphine. As naloxone is an opioid antagonist, Suboxone carries an extremely low potential for abuse.

Before the 2000s, the primary medication used for the treatment of OUD was methadone. After buprenorphine gained approval in 2002, Subutex and Suboxone were developed. These buprenorphine-based medications are considered to be a safer and more effective treatment approach than methadone.

Both Subutex and Suboxone provide advantages in the treatment of opioid dependency, and neither is more effective than the other. The best approach for you will be carefully determined by your physician, who will take your medical and substance use histories into account.

Subutex is available in several different dosages in the form of sublingual tablets. The medication is placed on the tongue to dissolve and enter the bloodstream. Subutex contains buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to the opioid receptors located in the brain for several hours to provide relief from discomfort and other withdrawal symptoms.

In most cases, individuals are prescribed Subutex once daily; however, the physician will provide you with a specific frequency depending on your unique needs and the prescribed dosage. If you forget to take your Subutex, it’s advised to take the dose as soon as you remember. If your withdrawal symptoms return, it’s advised to get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible. They will guide how to manage your discomfort.

As with all medications, Subutex has some side effects associated with it. These include insomnia, sweating, restlessness, muscle or joint discomfort, dizziness, and nausea. Furthermore, mild withdrawal symptoms may be caused by this medication, which you should promptly report to your physician. It’s crucial not to use alcohol while on Subutex, as the combination of the two can cause liver damage.

Subutex is generally used for short-term treatment, as this approach provides the lowest risk of abuse. As it is a partial opioid agonist, Subutex carries a significantly reduced risk of chemical dependency compared to full opioid agonists and illicit substances. If you have any questions about how your Subutex treatment will work, our team of experts is here to provide clarity.

Subutex stays in your system and provides effects for between 12 and 24 hours. The precise amount of time depends on how quickly your body metabolizes the medication, and everyone is slightly different. While you won’t feel any of the effects after 24 hours, Subutex can still be detected on drug tests for some time. Standard drug tests detect Subutex up to a week after your last dose, while follicle tests can detect traces for up to 3 months.

If you have any concerns about how long the medication will remain in your system, you are encouraged to consult your physician. Our professionals are here to provide continuous support throughout the entire process. Do not hesitate to contact us today for more information or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you at Peachtree Corners GA, and Asheville NC. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners GA, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Johns Creek GA, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview NC, Roswell GA, Dunwoody GA, Pittsburg GA, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.