Sage-Tips

How does Suboxone work for addiction?

Suboxone works by tightly binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opiates, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. By doing so, it blunts intoxication with these other drugs, it prevents cravings, and it allows many people to transition back from a life of addiction to a life of normalcy and safety.

Is buprenorphine safer than other opioids?

Because of its “ceiling effect,” buprenorphine is much safer in the case of an overdose than other opioids. Buprenorphine is only a partial agonist of opioid receptors in the brain, and is less likely to suppress breathing to the point of death than opioids like heroin or methadone.

How long can you use Suboxone?

For some, Suboxone and its effects may last for up to 60 years. It varies person to person. However, for most people, if an opioid such as heroin or fentanyl are taken within 24 hours of a dose of Suboxone, these drugs won’t work.

Does Suboxone cause weight gain?

Weight gain or weight loss are not side effects that have been reported in studies of Suboxone. However, some people who take Suboxone have reported having weight gain.

What antidepressant can I take with Suboxone?

As always, it is best to let your provider know what antidepressants you are on while also taking buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), but the most common antidepressants (SSRI, mirtazapine, SNRI medications) are all safe to take while on Suboxone.

What is the success rate for Suboxone?

Results showed that approximately 49 percent of participants reduced prescription painkiller abuse during extended (at least 12-week) Suboxone treatment. This success rate dropped to 8.6 percent once Suboxone was discontinued.

Is Suboxone bad for your kidneys?

In conclusion, we surmise that buprenorphine at suggested doses can induce liver and kidney failure in susceptible individuals, possibly through direct mitochondrial toxicity.

How long do I wait to take Suboxone?

Before you take your first dose, wait at least: 12 hours since you last used a short-acting opioid (fentanyl, heroin, crushed OxyContin, Percocet). 24 hours since you last used a long-acting opioid (OxyContin taken orally, Hydromorph Contin, OxyNeo). 72 hours since you last used methadone.

Does Suboxone cause hair loss?

Hair loss. Hair loss is not a side effect that has been reported in studies of Suboxone. However, some people who take Suboxone have reported having hair loss.

Does Suboxone cause tiredness?

Some of the common side effects of suboxone include nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, numb mouth, constipation, insomnia, blurred vision, dizziness, fainting, back pain, irregular heartbeat — as well as tiredness and sleepiness.

Can you get serotonin syndrome from Suboxone?

The prevalence of serotonin syndrome, which, at its most severe, is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that increases serotonin levels, is strikingly high in patients receiving buprenorphine (Suboxone, Reckitt Benckiser) on an outpatient basis for opioid addiction, a single-center study shows.

Does Suboxone work for opioid dependency?

Buprenorphine/Suboxone can reverse the side effects of opioids and prevent withdrawal symptoms, but individuals with opioid dependency or addiction may continue to crave and/or obsess over the drugs that caused their dependency. As a result, taking Suboxone is only one part of the picture when it comes to recovering.

What is Suboxone used for?

Suboxone is made up of two drugs in one and is used to treat opioid dependence. The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone make up the treatment drug known by the trade name Suboxone. The first part, buprenorphine, acts as a partial opioid agonist, which means it initiates a physical response when combined with an opioid receptor.

Do doctors need to be waived to prescribe Suboxone?

More doctors need to become “waivered” to prescribe this medication, which requires some training and a special license. The vast majority of physicians, addiction experts, and advocates agree: Suboxone saves lives.

Is there a treatment for opioid addiction?

While no single treatment method is right for everyone, recovery is possible, and help is available for opioid addiction. Opioid addiction treatment: Helps people who are addicted stop compulsive drug seeking and use. Occurs in a variety of settings, takes many different forms, and can last for varying lengths of time. May save a life.