5 Things to Consider Before Taking Suboxone
Suboxone is rapidly becoming a popular treatment for opiate addiction and opiate withdrawal. It promises fewer withdrawal symptoms and an easier withdrawal period, according to its manufacturer, Indivior Inc. When searching for a treatment for opiate withdrawal, Suboxone does have a proven record for easing withdrawal symptoms but there are a few things that you should consider before taking it.
1. Is Suboxone Right for your Situation?
Suboxone use can cause nausea and vomiting.
Every opiate addiction is different. Each person has his or her own needs and desired outcomes. Some people just want relief from the symptoms while others want to move towards a complete recovery. Suboxone can do both. It is effective in:
- blocking opioids,
- reducing relapse and reuse,
- reducing cravings, and
- helping people continue their treatment.
If these are things that you are concerned about with your treatment, Suboxone might be an option for you.
2. Getting Relief from Pain May be Difficult on Suboxone
Since Suboxone contains Naloxone, it blocks traditional painkillers from working. If you are in a car accident or other emergency where medication for pain in needed, it might not work correctly. Some people circumvent this by carrying a wallet card or by stating the amount of Suboxone being taken.
It is possible that a person on Suboxone, who is unconscious, will not receive the right amount of painkiller. Doctors need to give people who are on Suboxone higher than normal doses of painkillers to relieve a normal amount of pain to anyone else.
3. Side Effects of Taking Suboxone
Something to consider before taking Suboxone is its side effects. Just a few of the common side effects of Suboxone are:
- constipation,
- tooth decay,
- weight gain,
- headache,
- increased sweating,
- abdominal pain,
- rashes or hives,
- nausea,
- vomiting, and
- loss of appetite.
Many people decide not to take it due to these and other side effects. Since people react to drugs in different ways it is impossible to know how Suboxone will effect everyone.
4. Suboxone is Addictive
Although it is not typically a problem when you are under a doctor’s care, it is possible to become addicted to Suboxone. Some people believe that taking Suboxone or methadone is just replacing one drug for another. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this is not true. When used as directed by a doctor Suboxone is not harmfully addictive. If misused however it can become a problem.
This is why a doctor’s supervision during Suboxone or any opiate withdrawal treatment is so important. You doctor will be able to help you determine how and when to get off Suboxone.
5. It is Possible to Abuse Suboxone
Suboxone like all treatments is not perfect. It is possible to abuse Suboxone if you take too much of it or ignore your doctor’s advice. If you think that you might abuse Suboxone, be sure to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment. It is very important to keep your doctor informed of any changes.
Suboxone treatment is an extremely effective treatment for opiate addiction but like with any drug there are things to consider. The abuse potential, relapse rates, and other factors should play into your decision to take Suboxone. If you still have questions about Suboxone or want to find a Suboxone treatment center near you, call use at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) .
