Suboxone Treatment

Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Subutex contains buprenorphine only. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. Buprenorphine is similar to other opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin however, it produces less euphoric (“high”) effects and if taken in excess, it doesn’t work but produces side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Naloxone is a medication that is not absorbed by the body, unless it is injected. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. If Suboxone is injected, naloxone will block the effects of buprenorphine and leads to withdrawal symptoms in a person with an opioid addiction. When administered under the tongue as directed, naloxone will not affect the actions of buprenorphine and it produces the same effect of Subutex.

Suboxone only is FDA approved for the use in office base setting to manage opiate addiction. It can be used for detoxification off opioids and heroin, or for a maintenance replacement therapy.

The Suboxone tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. This will take 2 to 10 minutes. Do not chew or swallow the tablets. The medicine will not work this way and you may get withdrawal symptoms. Do not change the dose of Suboxone or take it more often than prescribed without first talking to your doctor. Do not inject (“shoot-up”) Suboxone. Shooting-up is dangerous and may cause bad withdrawal symptoms.

The Suboxone sublingual film should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. The Suboxone sublingual film should not be chewed, swallowed, or moved after placement.

Suboxone may cause withdrawal symptoms if taken too soon after a dose of heroin, morphine, or methadone.

Suboxone can cause drug dependence. This means that withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop using the medicine too quickly. Suboxone is not for occasional (“as needed”) use. Do not stop taking Suboxone without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor may want to perform blood tests or other forms of monitoring during treatment with Suboxone.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Suboxone may be a target for people who abuse prescription or street drugs. Therefore, keep the tablets and sublingual films in a safe place to protect them from theft. Never give them to anyone else. Sellin or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Suboxone overdose may include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.

In an emergency, have family members tell emergency room staff that you are taking Suboxone and that you are dependent on opioids.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and prevent a fall.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may dangerously increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication.

Suboxone may dangerously increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.