Suboxone Treatment Doctors Q&A

Suboxone is a prescription medication that consists of 80% buprenorphine and 20% naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist, which means that it functions similarly to other opioids but does not produce a euphoric effect and blocks the effects of other opioids. As such, it is significantly less addictive than other opioids. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of other opioids. However, since Suboxone is taken either sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (between the gums and cheek), the naloxone portion of Suboxone is inactive and only becomes active if the patient injects the medication. The addition of naloxone to Suboxone is to prevent the potential misuse of Suboxone.

Suboxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid dependence and addiction. With that in mind, Suboxone can help any individual who has become addicted to or is dependent on opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and others.

Suboxone treatment has the highest success rate for treating opioid dependency and addiction. It is most effective when used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that involves counseling, social, and psychological support.

Suboxone treatment can provide numerous benefits to individuals dealing with opioid dependence or addiction, including the following:

• Alleviating withdrawal symptoms
• Blocking the effects of other opioids
• Decreasing cravings
• Helping patients remain in treatment programs
• Fewer side effects and longer therapeutic effect than alternative treatments
• Less risk of dependence than alternatives
• Reaching effective dosages sooner than alternatives
• Reducing the unlawful use of opioids
• Safe, affordable, and convenient

If you are dealing with an opioid dependence or addiction and want to overcome your dependence or addiction, Suboxone can help you in the following ways:

• Blocking the effects of other opioids:

• As a partial opioid antagonist, buprenorphine displaces and prevents other opioids from activating the opioid receptors in your brain.
• Buprenorphine also has a ceiling effect, so that the effects of buprenorphine plateau after an individual takes a certain amount. The addition of naloxone further prevents misuse.

• Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms:

• As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine partially activates opioid receptors, preventing cravings.
• As a result, your body has fewer withdrawal symptoms when taking Suboxone.

Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication pivotal in the treatment of opioid addiction, often prescribed alongside counseling and behavioral therapy to form a holistic treatment plan.

Administering Suboxone properly hinges on closely following the instructions provided by healthcare specialists at Ascension Solutions Treatment.

The treatment regimen typically commences with an induction phase, where an initial assessment determines the suitable dosage. Following this, patients engage in counseling and support services aimed at addressing the underlying causes of their addiction. The subsequent maintenance phase allows patients to continue Suboxone use while gradually resuming their daily activities, eventually moving to a tapering phase.

Here, the dosage of Suboxone is methodically reduced under the guidance of a mental health provider until the patient can safely discontinue its use. Addiction and opioid dependency are increasingly viewed as medical conditions and as a result, treatment plans involving a combination of therapies and medications are considered more favorable than simply implementing an abstinence-based treatment plan.

This approach ensures that each patient’s treatment plan is accurately tailored to their specific needs, making adherence to these guidelines’ paramount.

While on Suboxone, patients must be careful and conscious about their health and lifestyle choices to avoid potential complications or adverse reactions.

Suboxone, being an opioid itself, necessitates strict adherence to the prescribed usage in order to prevent the risk of developing an addiction to the medication. Awareness and communication with healthcare providers at Ascension Solutions Treatment about one’s medical history and any medication use are critical to identify any possible interactions.

Patients are advised to abstain from alcohol and avoid certain medications that could infringe upon the medication’s effectiveness or even lead to severe drug interactions. The use of stimulant drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine, which can negate Suboxone’s efficacy, is strongly discouraged.

Adhering to the guidance provided by healthcare professionals and promptly addressing any concerns or side effects that arise are crucial steps in safely navigating Suboxone treatment.

The duration and intensity of Suboxone withdrawal symptoms vary significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as the duration of Suboxone use, the dosage level, and personal health conditions, including underlying mental health issues or alcohol use.

Suboxone, being an opioid itself, can lead to a range of dangerous withdrawal symptoms, particularly among individuals who cease use of the medication without instruction.

Typically, withdrawal symptoms can persist for about a month, with patients experiencing a range of symptoms that might include headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, mood swings, insomnia, and possibly symptoms of depression or intense drug cravings.

The withdrawal experience tends to peak in severity during the first week, especially within the first three days. Properly tapering off Suboxone, as directed by healthcare professionals, can substantially alleviate these symptoms, offering a controlled, less distressing, and dangerous withdrawal process.

The onset of Suboxone’s therapeutic effects varies from person to person, influenced by several factors including the individual’s history of opioid misuse, the severity of addiction, metabolic rate, age, weight, and other concurrent medications.

Generally, Suboxone begins to produce noticeable effects within 20 to 60 minutes after administration, providing prompt relief from withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence. This rapid action is particularly beneficial in the initial stages of treatment, helping to stabilize patients and significantly reduce the discomfort of withdrawal.

The duration of Suboxone’s effectiveness can last between 12 to 24 hours, depending on the specific dosage and administration schedule tailored to the patient’s unique situation.

This individualized approach to treatment ensures that patients receive the most effective care for their addiction, supporting their journey toward recovery and a return to normal life.

For more information about Suboxone treatment or to make an appointment, please contact us by calling us or scheduling an appointment through our website. 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.