Suboxone is the name of a combination medication: buprenorphine and naloxone. I comes in different strengths. It is made into "films" that get absorbed in your cheek or tablets that get absorbed under your tongue. It is confusing to hear since when you hear naloxone, one thinks of the naloxone used to reverse opioid overdose. It is all in the properties of each medication. When in film or tablet form AND absorbed via cheek or under tongue, the buprenorphine is the stronger of the two medications, when absorbed through the GI tract. The naloxone properties are different and it is weak in the GI tract and doesn't interfere with the buprenorphine combining with the opiate receptor site, in fact it might help it stick better. But, if misused and abused, and given nasally or IV somehow, the naloxone is stronger and prevents the buprenorphine from adhering to the opiate receptor site. The naloxone takes over the site and nothing else can enter since this med is very strong when given through nose or IV. Strange, but that is how it works in a nutshell. That is why buprenorphine is usually given as a combination medication. To minimize abuse and prevent harm.
Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine alone without any naloxone. It used to be that pregnant women received Subutex to minimize any chance of miscarriage. But nowadays, since it is only a danger if abused, Suboxone is often given to pregnant woman with the proper education on the chance of miscarriage if abused. Subutex might also be used for those switching from methadone to Suboxone. It makes for a smoother transition. I heard Subutex is becoming a more popular med in general for treatment but I am not certain on the actual facts. If it is true, then the only reason would be to get more people into treatment.
As I said in a previous post, suboxone is good for those with short history of opioid abuse, with the daily use not too great. If you experience cravings despite all else becoming stable then you need methadone.
Besides cravings, the biggest complaints I have heard from those who tried Suboxone Treatment is that they could not fall or stay asleep. Some complain of a constant headache. Others, it was muscle cramps in their thighs and calves. As with all narcotics constipation is the #1 complaint.
With the Opioid Crisis, Suboxone is becoming a focus point for treatment. Doctors take a course and become certified. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) or Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) is what it is being called and you will be hearing a lot more about this. They are generally Suboxone Treatment. Some states already have many physicians participating. Physician participation does vary by state or area. All medication is given by an RN and the patient is assessed and progress monitored properly. Since it is office based, the stigma of a clinic is not there to interfere with any progress. It is a great way to help those newly addicted and a great way to get someone in treatment. As with any treatment program, there is drug testing and addiction counseling or group addiction counseling. It won't work unless you change your thinking AND your behaviors. If Suboxone doesn't work, there is methadone. Still treatment just different med for different needs. The downfall of methadone are the rules: so far, only a hospital or clinic setting may dispense methadone for addiction. I feel a change coming in the near future....
Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine alone without any naloxone. It used to be that pregnant women received Subutex to minimize any chance of miscarriage. But nowadays, since it is only a danger if abused, Suboxone is often given to pregnant woman with the proper education on the chance of miscarriage if abused. Subutex might also be used for those switching from methadone to Suboxone. It makes for a smoother transition. I heard Subutex is becoming a more popular med in general for treatment but I am not certain on the actual facts. If it is true, then the only reason would be to get more people into treatment.
As I said in a previous post, suboxone is good for those with short history of opioid abuse, with the daily use not too great. If you experience cravings despite all else becoming stable then you need methadone.
Besides cravings, the biggest complaints I have heard from those who tried Suboxone Treatment is that they could not fall or stay asleep. Some complain of a constant headache. Others, it was muscle cramps in their thighs and calves. As with all narcotics constipation is the #1 complaint.
With the Opioid Crisis, Suboxone is becoming a focus point for treatment. Doctors take a course and become certified. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) or Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) is what it is being called and you will be hearing a lot more about this. They are generally Suboxone Treatment. Some states already have many physicians participating. Physician participation does vary by state or area. All medication is given by an RN and the patient is assessed and progress monitored properly. Since it is office based, the stigma of a clinic is not there to interfere with any progress. It is a great way to help those newly addicted and a great way to get someone in treatment. As with any treatment program, there is drug testing and addiction counseling or group addiction counseling. It won't work unless you change your thinking AND your behaviors. If Suboxone doesn't work, there is methadone. Still treatment just different med for different needs. The downfall of methadone are the rules: so far, only a hospital or clinic setting may dispense methadone for addiction. I feel a change coming in the near future....
Very nice post. I was just curious to know everything about suboxone and you have shared exactly that in this post. I am very happy to find this post. Actually my sister needs the treatment for drug addiction and now I will find a good suboxone treatment virginia beach center for her treatment.
ReplyDelete