Suboxone
Suboxone
Suboxone (a branded treatment formulation that combines buprenorphine and naloxone) is one such medication impacted by this law. It was approved as an opioid addiction treatment drug to be prescribed by qualified physicians, The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) allows qualified physicians to prescribe opioid medications for maintenance treatment and detoxification of addiction.
If you are struggling with an addiction to opioids, Suboxone may be able to help as part of a OTP.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors but not to the same degree as many other abused opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers.
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is included in order to discourage people from injecting Suboxone to get high.
Suboxone may be right FOR YOU?
- You are struggling with opioid dependence.
- You are motivated to stop using opioids.
- You have a stable environment in which to recover
Suboxone may not be right for you:
- You are not physically dependent on opioids.
- You have mental health conditions that are not currently being addressed and/or you have suicidal thoughts.
- You are pregnant.
- You also struggle with alcohol dependence.
- You have had an adverse reaction to Suboxone in the past.
- You are taking medications that might adversely interact with Suboxone, such as naltrexone.
- You have abused Suboxone or methadone in the past.
- You have certain medical conditions that might contraindicate treatment.
Benefits
- Reduction in cravings and the painful withdrawal syndrome associated with heroin and other opioid withdrawal
- Stabilization of symptoms, allowing for focus on addiction treatment, including behavioral therapy.
Risks & Side Effects
In the short-term, Suboxone can produce side effects such as:
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Headache.
- Blurred vision.
- Mouth numbness or redness.
- Tongue pain.
- Stomach pain.
- Constipation.
- Back pain.