What to Expect During Subutex Treatment Q&A

Doctors prescribe Subutex as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan to help individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Subutex contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high as full opioids. This makes it an effective tool for managing addiction and supporting recovery. Doctors prescribe Subutex to stabilize patients during the initial stages of recovery, easing the physical discomfort of withdrawal while helping them focus on long-term sobriety.

Subutex is also prescribed to prevent relapse by maintaining a stable level of medication in the body, which helps reduce the urge to use opioids. Unlike full opioids, Subutex has a “ceiling effect,” meaning it has a limit to how much it can affect the body, reducing the risk of misuse. Dr. Jonathan Hall at Ascension Solutions Treatment, carefully monitor patients throughout their treatment to adjust dosages as needed and ensure the best chance for lasting recovery. Subutex is prescribed as part of a comprehensive approach that includes counseling, therapy, and support to address the underlying causes of addiction and help individuals rebuild their lives.

Suboxone and Subutex are both used in the treatment of opioid addiction, but they contain different active ingredients and have distinct properties. Subutex contains buprenorphine as the sole active ingredient, which helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings by partially activating opioid receptors in the brain. Suboxone, on the other hand, contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. The addition of naloxone helps prevent misuse by causing withdrawal symptoms if the medication is injected or abused.

The main difference between the two is that Suboxone includes naloxone to discourage misuse, making it a safer option for patients at risk of diversion or abuse. Subutex, which does not contain naloxone, is typically prescribed in the early stages of treatment or for patients who may have a contraindication to naloxone. Both medications are used to stabilize patients during the recovery process, but Suboxone is more commonly prescribed for long-term treatment due to its lower risk of misuse. Dr. Jonathan Hall at Ascension Solutions Treatment evaluates each patient’s specific needs to determine which medication is most appropriate for their recovery journey.

Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our compassionate professionals work closely with each patient, providing individualized care, monitoring progress, and adjusting treatment plans to ensure long-term success. We are committed to offering a holistic approach that combines medication with counseling and support to help you achieve lasting recovery.

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, which contains buprenorphine, typically stays in your system for about 3 to 5 days, but it can vary based on several factors such as metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and overall health. Buprenorphine has a long half-life, which means it stays active in the body for a prolonged period. For most individuals, it can take around 72 hours to be eliminated from the system, but traces of the drug may still be detectable in urine for up to 7 days after the last dose.

The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted through urine, which means factors like liver function, age, body mass, and hydration can affect how long Subutex stays in your system. For patients undergoing treatment at Ascension Solutions Treatment, Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, and our team monitor the effects and dosage to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely. It’s important to follow the prescribed treatment plan to avoid misuse or withdrawal symptoms. If you have concerns about how Subutex is affecting your body, our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your recovery process.

Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, takes a comprehensive approach to monitoring patients during Subutex therapy at Ascension Solutions Treatment. From the outset, he conducts a thorough evaluation of each patient’s medical history, substance use patterns, and specific treatment needs. This helps Dr. Hall create a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that Subutex is the right medication to manage their opioid addiction. Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Hall monitors patients closely to assess their response to the medication, checking for any signs of side effects, misuse, or inadequate symptom management. He also tracks progress in overcoming cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making adjustments to the treatment plan as necessary.

To ensure the best possible outcomes, Dr. Hall maintains regular follow-up appointments with patients, where he provides ongoing counseling and support. These appointments allow him to evaluate the effectiveness of the Subutex dosage and ensure that the patient remains on track for long-term recovery. Dr. Hall also emphasizes the importance of therapy and counseling in conjunction with medication, helping patients address the underlying causes of addiction. With Dr. Hall’s expertise and the support of the Ascension Solutions Treatment team, patients receive the care they need to safely navigate their recovery journey.

Do not hesitate to contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located in 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.