What you need to know about Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone is most commonly used to treat an opiate addiction. With a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine, it has been proven effective over the years.
While this may sound like a “miracle drug” that can help an opiate addict get their life back on track, there are many details to consider before moving forward with this type of treatment.
Most importantly, Suboxone treatment is not something you can take on without the assistance of a medical professional. Not only will you need a prescription for this type of treatment, but it is essential that you are under the care of the appropriate medical team during this time.
Important Suboxone Treatment Information
The most important point to consider is this: using this medicine improperly can lead to serious side effects or death. Even if you have used this medication or one similar in the past, you may still experience side effects.
It should go without saying that sharing Suboxone with another person is a big mistake. Keep this medication in your possession, never letting it come in contact with somebody who could abuse the drug.
Many people who have used Suboxone in the past to treat an addiction think that they should be able to do so again in the future should the situation call for it. This may be true, but you should only start with treatment when advised by a qualified medical professional.
Are you Ready to be Treated with Suboxone?
Anybody who is allergic to naloxone or buprenorphine should avoid the use of Suboxone. To ensure the safety of Suboxone treatment, tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical problems:
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Live disease
- Kidney disease
- Underactive thyroid
- History of mental illness, including hallucinations
- History of seizures
- History of drug and/or alcohol abuse
It is unknown whether the use of Suboxone can harm an unborn child. For this reason, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant in the future.
Suboxone Side Effects
Despite the fact that Suboxone treatment has been proven effective, this does not mean the medication is without side effects.
If you are taking Suboxone and feel that you are having an adverse side effect, it is important to seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
Some of the most serious side effects of Suboxone treatment include:
- Loss of coordination
- Weakness
- Extreme drowsiness
- Nausea and/or upper stomach pain
- Dark urine
- Shallow breathing
- Fluttering in your chest
- Withdrawal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, and muscle pain
If these side effects are experienced, you should not delay in seeking medical assistance.
Below are some of the more common, less serious side effects of Suboxone treatment:
- Headache
- Mild dizziness
- Tingling in the extremities
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Numbness or pain of the mouth
- Difficulty concentrating
These are the most common side effects of Suboxone, however, many others may occur. Your doctor can discuss all potential side effects, while also giving you advice on how to deal with these should they occur.
Taking Suboxone
Your medical professional can tell you how to take Suboxone. You should listen to their directions, down to every last detail, to ensure success while also avoiding common side effects.
You should never take a larger dose of Suboxone than what is required. Along with this, don’t continue to take the medication for longer than prescribed.
Drink a full glass of water before taking Suboxone. From there, place the tablet or film under the tongue. You should not chew or swallow the tablet or film, but instead let it dissolve.
Just the same as any drug, if you abruptly stop taking Suboxone you may experience withdrawal symptoms. When you are set to stop this treatment, ask your doctor for advice on how to avoid (or deal with) withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions related to Suboxone treatment, it is best to discuss these with your doctor.
Here are several frequently asked questions, along with answers:
- How can I find a doctor who is able to prescribe Suboxone treatment? Your doctor must have a waiver in your state in order to prescribe this medication. You primary care physician can help you with this.
- Can Suboxone be used to treat a cocaine addiction? This is a common myth. Suboxone is only approved for treatment of an opioid addiction (cocaine is not an opioid drug).
- What is the cost of Suboxone treatment? It would be nice if there was a simple answer to this question, but the final cost is based on a variety of factors including: insurance company, health plan, and the pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Suboxone treatment has helped thousands upon thousands of people overcome an opioid addiction. If used as directed, it can be an effective method of treatment.
