According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are 128 lives lost to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic every day. An opioid addiction includes the misuse and abuse of prescription pain relievers and heroin. It also includes synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends a medication-assisted treatment. Suboxone treatment is the leading medication-assisted treatment on the market for leading drug addicts to lasting sobriety.

Continue reading to learn about the use of suboxone for opioid addiction treatment and how it works.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment is the combination of medications approved by the FDA and behavioral therapy used together to treat those suffering from opioid addiction. Suboxone treats those addicted to short-acting opioids. This includes medications like codeine, morphine, and heroin. They can also help those struggling with addiction to hydrocodone and oxycodone.

Federal law requires patients who are receiving medication-assisted treatment to attend behavioral therapy. The medication is more effective when it’s paired with therapeutic services.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that comes in two forms: film or tablet. The film is dissolved under the tongue, while the tablet is orally administered. Even though it’s classed as an opioid, it’s used to treat opioid addiction. It’s made of four parts buprenorphine and one part naloxone.

Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that is generally used to treat acute pain. As a partial opioid agonist, it helps to block the receptors in the body that react to the opiates. This helps to reduce the urges and cravings of the individual. Naloxone is an opiate antagonist. It is the main ingredient in Narcan. It reverses the effect of opioid use in overdose patients.

Together, the medicines help to curb the withdrawal symptoms of their opioid dependence. Patients can find their way back to a normal state of mind. This allows them to address the underlying causes of addictive behavior in therapy.

Suboxone is now favorable to other medications, such as methadone, which can become habit-forming.

How Does It Work?

There are three phases of treatment for Suboxone treatment. Phase one is known as the induction period. An assessment of the patient must occur before a doctor or clinic will administer the medication. A certain amount of time of twelve to twenty-four hours must have passed since the last time opioids have been used.

Phase two is known as stabilizing. When the patient is no longer craving opioids and other drugs due to the use of Suboxone, the dosage can be modified to the patient’s needs. For example, they may be able to take the medication every other day rather than daily.

The final phase is known as maintenance. Once the patient is doing well after taking Suboxone for a certain time, the doctor and patient may agree on tapering off and ending treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Suboxone will start working relatively soon after the initial dose is ingested.

Within 45 minutes of taking the first 4mg dose, the patient will find that the Suboxone is providing some relief. If after that time the patient still feels ill, they may take the second dose of 4mg. Six hours later, the final 4mg dose may be administered. The following day (until their next appointment), patients will take 16mg once a day.

Studies show that extended suboxone treatment is favorable to rapid detoxification and counseling. Nearly 50% of patients who undergo twelve weeks of extended Suboxone treatment were able to reduce their drug abuse. A patient can successfully use the medication for up to twenty-four weeks.

Possible Side Effects of Suboxone Use

When patients suddenly stop taking the medication, it may lead to an adverse reaction. The symptoms may mimic that of an opioid withdrawal, like joint and muscle pain. It is likely that irritability, diarrhea, and jitters may happen, along with insomnia and dilated pupils.

Other side effects that one may experience when taking suboxone might include flu-like symptoms. Sweating, stomach pain, headache, vomiting, and fatigue may occur.

Some more severe side effects might include severe dizziness, mood changes, hallucinations. Trouble waking up, or loss of coordination and extreme weakness may also happen. Suboxone may alter fertility in both men and women. It has also been known to affect hormones because of adrenal deficiency. Allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, can occur and be life-threatening.

Patients may develop a dependence on the medication. It is important to only take Suboxone as prescribed as it is the best way to avoid the side effects. The benefits of the medication may outweigh the risks.

Possible Interactions With Other Drugs & Medications

It is possible that taking other medications while taking Suboxone. Medications like Acetaminophen, Fluoxetine, Niacin, and Verapamil might interact with Suboxone. Oral contraceptives, HIV-treatment drugs, and cholesterol-lowering medications could also interact with Suboxone.

This is not an entire list of possible interactions with Suboxone. Patients need to talk to their doctor before starting medication-assisted treatment.

Is Suboxone The Right Treatment For You?

The road to recovery is a long, challenging journey. You are not alone in the struggle with drug abuse. There is help available to you as long as you are ready to make a change.

It isn’t going to be easy, but it will be worth it in the long run. Consistent use of medication-assisted treatment has been proven to increase lasting sobriety in those struggling with opiate addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with opiate drug addiction and are ready to seek help, this method of treatment may be right for you.

Contact us today with any questions you might have about medication-assisted treatment.