Suboxone Overview

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication prescribed only to treat adults for opioid dependence. This drug contains two different medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid itself and works to reduce the cravings of narcotics. Naloxone prevents you from abusing the drug, sending you into withdrawal should you try to dissolve and inject the tablet. Taken as prescribed, the naloxone remains inactive.

How is Suboxone Administered?

Suboxone is prescribed in sublingual tablets. Place them under the tongue and allow them to dissolve for maximum efficiency. Do not swallow them whole or attempt to crush them and ingest them by snorting, swallowing or injecting. It is strongly advised that you read the entire patient information leaflet provided with the drug. It is safe to take two tablets at once if directed to do so by your doctor, however, do not take Suboxone in larger doses than prescribed. Suboxone is not intended to be taken intravenously, and withdrawal symptoms will result if you attempt to abuse it in this way. If you have any questions or concerns while using Suboxone, contact your doctor.

What Drug Interactions Should I Avoid When Taking Suboxone?

Your doctor will need to adjust your dose or monitor you closely depending upon what other drugs you are taking while you are on Suboxone as some drugs do not react well with it. Your physician will determine whether or not you should combine this medication with others on your regimen, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter medication. Generally, Suboxone will enhance the effects of medication that cause drowsiness like anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, antihistamines and sedatives for sleep insomnia. Your use of barbiturates, carbamazeine, phenytoin, erythromycin, itraconazole, rifamipin or a MAO inhibitor should be reported to your doctor before treatment starts. Using other narcotics or alcohol while taking this medication could result in seizures, coma, overdose or death.

What are the Side Effects of Suboxone?

You should tell your doctor if you experience any side effects while using Suboxone that are overwhelming. However, if you experience a loss of appetite for several days, have difficulty breathing, confusion or dizziness, you must alert your doctor immediately as you may need emergency medical assistance. If you suspect or have signs of liver damage, you should also seek medical treatment; these signs include dark urine, light colored stools, a yellowing of the eyes and skin. The most common side effects that experienced by patients in varying degrees include:

Drowsiness
Weakness
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Dizziness

For the most part, these symptoms are normal but if they are unrelenting, tell your doctor.

A small amount of patients find that they are allergic to Suboxone. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling, severe dizziness, unexplained rash, itching and trouble breathing. Call 911 if you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Suboxone.

What Else Should I Know When Taking Suboxone?

Heat and moisture may affect Suboxone so do not keep your medicine in the bathroom, kitchen or other rooms in the house where these conditions are present. Keep this drug away from children and pets, as an overdose is likely if consumed. Take Suboxone at the same time every day as it is never prescribed "as needed" but as part of your complete treatment plan. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication or adjust the dose without consent from your doctor. Your doctor should be advised of your medical history in order to better monitor your health and progress while using this drug.

How Does Meditox Treat Opiate Addiction?

As with all our addiction treatment programs at Meditox, we treat your opiate addiction with a prescription for Subutex and Suboxone, which allows you to stop taking your drug of choice with a minimum of withdrawal symptoms. We understand that your time is valuable and to better assist you in reclaiming your life, we offer an outpatient program that suits your lifestyle, obligations and finances. Meditox is here to assist you every step of the way as you work to become drug free. Call today for more information.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

Drugs.com: Suboxone Information
RxList.com: Suboxone Information

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Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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