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Are you wondering about Sublocade treatment? Taking Sublocade is an important decision and one that should be made with the advice of a doctor.
If a doctor recommends it, the drug can work almost immediately. You can obtain normal levels of the drug within a few hours if you take the appropriate preparations.
For instance, you must take Zubsolv or Suboxone before taking Sublocade. Both drugs contain buprenorphine, which is an opioid that can treat opioid addictions, and it controls the withdrawal symptoms.
With the right preparations, Sublocade can help you get rid of your addiction. With that, Sublocade isn’t a magic bullet that will eliminate your addiction for good.
This article will help you decide if Sublocade is the best choice for you. Let’s explore.
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Sublocade is for opiate addiction. Doctors usually prescribe it to patients undergoing early treatment. It’s not used to treat pain. Overall, Sublocade serves two main functions:
This type of drug isn’t accessible to the general public. Only a doctor or treatment center has access to the medication.
Overall, Sublocade side effects include:
When it comes to liver issues, the drug may cause serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs if you take medications with high levels of serotonin.
Serotonin promotes nerve and brain health, but excessive amounts can harm the body. Serotonin syndrome can cause the following issues:
If you suspect serotonin syndrome, seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, older adults are more likely to contend with the severe side effects. Further, long-term usage can cause fertility problems in men and women.
Additionally, you may have adrenal gland issues if you take it for longer than a month. The adrenal glands release your hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol regulates your immune system and metabolism. Adrenal complications can cause:
Report any of these symptoms to your doctor. If you have an adrenal issue, the doctor may consider giving you a steroid injection or discontinuing Sublocade.
In addition to the drug’s side effects, you must contend with the withdrawal effects. Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
The good news is that the drugs will mitigate the withdrawal symptoms. As you go through withdrawal, however, you should do so under the watchful eye of a medical professional.
Medical professionals inject the Sublocade into the skin each month. Under no circumstances should the patient administer the dose alone.
Patients stand the risk of causing injury or death if they inject the substance on their own. For instance, they may inject the drug into a vein or muscle by mistake, leading to skin issues and blood clots.
Rather, the injection will take place under the skin instead of the muscles or veins. Staff will usually inject the drug into the belly. The drug usually comes in two dosages: 100 mg and 300 mg. The amount prescribed depends on the doctor’s orders.
After the injection, you may notice a small lump under the skin, and it will go away in a few weeks. In the meantime, don’t touch the lump or wear tight clothing.
At least 26 days should pass before your next injection. Medical personnel will conduct blood tests to assess your liver. If you miss a dosage, contact your doctor immediately to receive the next injection.
Patients taking buprenorphine for a week or longer shouldn’t take it. You should also tell your doctor that you’re taking buprenorphine. Moreover, tell your doctor if you take any of the following:
As such, Sublocade can interact with these drugs and cause harmful effects. To be on the safe side, disclose all medicines that you’re taking.
Further, Sublocade may not be the best option if you suffer from alcoholism. Alcohol is a depressant that can interact poorly with the medicine. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption while you’re taking the drug. Any type of depressant can have an adverse reaction.
Additionally, don’t take this drug if you suffer from mental illness, especially if you take medications for your mental illness. The same warning applies to patients with underlying conditions, such as heart disease. Also, don’t take the drug if you have breathing issues.
Sublocade will help beat your condition, but it’s not a primary treatment method. It’s also not for every patient. To get well, your recovery plan must include counseling, individual/group therapy sessions, and a positive environment.
Only a medical professional can recommend Sublocade treatment. With that, you should be aware of minor side effects in the form of fatigue, allergic reactions, and nausea. Severe side effects include liver complications and breathing issues.
Patients will take this drug in a Sublocade treatment center or clinic. Staff members can monitor how your body responds to the drug, and they can help you through withdrawal.
Want to learn more about opioid treatment? Read more on our website to know if professional treatment is right for you.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. There are people who can help you with the struggle you’re facing. Get in touch with one today.
