What is Suboxone?
Warnings and Risks
Overdose
Side Effects
Suboxone Precautions
Suboxone Addiction Treatment: Medically Assisted Detoxification and Rapid Detox
What is Suboxone?
Generic composition: Buprenorphine and Naloxone (oral-sublingual)
Brand Names: Suboxone, Zubsolv, and Bunavail
Suboxone® is a medication approved for the treatment of opiate dependence. It contains both buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone. This medication works by preventing withdrawal symptoms and curbing the misuse of those suffering from opioid use disorder. Although Suboxone is widely used to treat opioid addiction, it is vital to know this drug is also an opioid. This means it comes with risks similar to other prescription opioids.
Suboxone has been beneficial for those seeking replacement therapy and not ready to come off opioid drugs entirely. Furthermore, this medication is widely prescribed as a long-term maintenance medication (MAT) to reduce the risk of abuse and overuse of opioid drugs. Buprenorphine drugs are not for occasional (“as needed”) use. There can be substantial side effects when the drug is taken incorrectly or at the wrong dose.
Warnings and Risks
Respiratory Depression Can Occur When Using Suboxone with Other Substances
Suboxone can cause considerable respiratory depression, especially if a patient misuses it through intravenous injection. Death can occur when users inject buprenorphine and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium. Also, mixing buprenorphine with other central nervous system depressants can lead to death. Those can be alcohol, prescription opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives/hypnotics, phenothiazines, and general anesthetics. If a Suboxone overdose occurs, immediately seek medical attention. When one or more of these substances have been prescribed, it’s essential to talk to a doctor about reducing and adjusting the doses.
Allergic Reaction, Impairments, and Dependence
An allergic reaction is also possible. These include rashes, hives, bronchospasm, and anaphylactic shock. Suboxone can impair the physical and mental abilities needed to perform specific tasks, such as driving, especially during the beginning stages of use and during periods of dose adjustment. Chronic use of buprenorphine can cause dependence marked by the onset of withdrawal symptoms once use stops or gradually decreases. Because of naloxone Suboxone can cause intense withdrawal symptoms if misused by those addicted to heroin, morphine, and methadone.
It would be best if you did not drink alcohol or operate dangerous machinery, at least until you know how Suboxone will affect you. Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of this medication, leading to severe injuries.
Call a doctor if you feel:
- Weakness
- Shallow breathing, especially while sleeping
- Confusion or loss of coordination
- Slurred speech or blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite
- Dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice like these can signify liver issues.
More severe side effects, which need immediate medical attention, can include:
- Agitation
- Hallucination
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle stiffness
- Loss of coordination
- Twitching
- Vomiting
This is not a complete list of warnings, risks, or side effects. Please consult with your doctor for medical advice and drug information.
“The issue with treating opiate addiction with an opioid drug is that patients eventually feel discouraged or hopeless and in the same place they started.”
Overdose
It is important to note that the risk of overdose increases when additional substances are present, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. The mixture of these substances can cause severe and widespread depression of some physiological processes, including, but not limited to, slowed breathing and heart rate, coma, or even death.
If you experience the following symptoms, please seek immediate medical assistance as they could be a sign of overdose:
- Intense drowsiness
- Intermittent loss of consciousness
- Slurred and difficult speech
- Vision issues
- Slowed or labored breathing
- Lack of coordination
- Sluggish reflexes
Side Effects
Side effects depend on many factors, including dosage, other substances, patient’s metabolism, and health condition.
The most common side effects are:
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Sleep problems
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Attention problems
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Hypotension (lowered blood pressure)
- Sweating
- Dizziness and fainting
It is dangerous and potentially fatal to mix this drug with benzodiazepines, alcohol, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or other opiates. Mixing pills can lead to sedation, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and even death.
Suboxone Precautions
The drug’s prescription label contains all pertinent information regarding side effects, allergic reaction, other interactions, dependence, withdrawal, and overdose. Patients should always tell doctors about over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Health problems mentioned include an enlarged prostate, head injuries, Addison’s disease, hallucinations, curved spine, gallbladder disease, stomach problems, and other organ diseases. The buprenorphine in Suboxone can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when getting up too quickly from a sitting position. Even though Suboxone is used to treat opiate addiction, it can be habit-forming with prolonged use. Patients may become dependent upon the buprenorphine component. This means a professional medical detox is in order.
Suboxone Addiction Treatment: Medically Assisted Detoxification and Rapid Detox
Although Suboxone is presented as a safe and effective opiate addiction treatment, it has significant problems in real-world use. Some patients can use Suboxone effectively to help them recover from opiate addiction. For maintenance treatment, the reported results are very similar to methadone. Did you know that about 60% of people given Suboxone as a maintenance treatment don’t use illicit drugs while they’re on it? Unfortunately, for many patients who wish to free themselves of opiate dependence completely, Suboxone might create more problems than it solves. These patients often wish they had never started suboxone treatment, given the drug’s slow and lengthy withdrawal process.
Suboxone Detox Treatment
Fortunately, the Waismann Method® offers a highly effective, quick, and comfortable Suboxone detox treatment. Our rapid detox and medically-assisted protocols effectively assist patients in overcoming withdrawal symptoms.
Waismann Method® treatment center is recognized worldwide for its unmatched experience, excellent track record, and superior results.
Each patient is admitted to a private room of an accredited, full-service hospital for treatment. Most importantly, all patients receive a thorough medical assessment to create an individualized treatment plan. This ensures that the treatment approach is appropriate to a person’s unique physical and psychological needs.
Post-Detox Care
Following the suboxone detox process, patients move to our inclusive Domus Retreat for post-detox care. Here, clients receive personalized services to maintain sobriety as they transition back to everyday life. This provides a safe, supportive environment for individuals suffering from Suboxone addiction.
Medication-assisted treatment should not be a lifetime sentence. There are effective medical detox solutions available. If you are tired of taking opioids and seeking the best suboxone addiction treatment in the United States, you found it. We are located in Southern California, with patients flying in for treatment from all corners of the world. Call us today. Let us answer your questions, understand your situation, and help you find the treatment program that will work for you.