Suboxone is one of the most popular drugs prescribed for opioid addiction treatment. Whether you are starting the treatment or just looking for clarity on how Suboxone/Buprenorphine works, we have got you covered. Our research-based FAQs and facts will help you make informed decisions about Suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder.
ChoicePoint is committed to making quality healthcare accessible. To get your same-day Suboxone prescription, please call us at 844.445.2565.
Table of Contents
Question# 1: What is Opioid Addiction? Why is Suboxone Used For OUD?
Opioids are pain-relieving medicines extracted from opium plants. These medications have high abuse potential. The rise of illegal synthetic opioids, with adverse side effects and life-threatening overdose risks, adds more to the problem. Some examples of addictive opioids include:
Suboxone, a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, is considered the gold standard in treating opioid addiction. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and helps to:
- Reduce cravings
- Reduce the risk of overdose
- Ease withdrawal symptoms
- Offers pain management
The question we frequently get asked is, if we have MAT programs that work for opioid use disorder, then why is the opioid overdose crisis still getting worse? The problem is not the effectiveness of the treatment but misinformation and negative stigma around medication-assisted treatment. MAT medications such as Subutex and Suboxone offer safe drug abstinence from otherwise life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Question# 2: Suboxone Pills Vs. Film: Difference and Administration
Suboxone is available in two forms: tablet (pills) and film (strip). Both have the same active ingredients (Burenoprhoine and Naloxone). Then what is the difference between suboxone pills vs. strips? Some key differences are:
- Suboxone strips absorb faster than the pills.
- Pills may be more cost-effective than strips form.
- Some patients report strips to leave a strong aftertaste. However, since both pills and tablets are kept under the tongue, they both leave an aftertaste.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone strip) may offer more discretion than pills.
The next question we often get is how we take this medicine. Here are some things to consider when taking Suboxone:
- Wash your hands and place the medicine under your tongue.
- Allow the pill or strip to dissolve completely.
- Do rinse your mouth immediately after taking the medicine.
- You can drink water before or after taking the medicine to help absorb any residue.
- Do not cut the strip or tablet.
Whether you have been prescribed Buprenorphine film or strip, both are equally effective in reducing craving and withdrawal symptoms.
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Question# 3: What Medications Can You Not Take With Suboxone? Can You Mix Suboxone and Alcohol?
When starting opioid addiction treatment, you may be wondering if Suboxone interacts with alcohol and other drugs. Suboxone interactions with certain medications can have adverse side effects. These medications or drugs include:
| Drug Name | Examples of Drug | Possible Side-effects |
|---|---|---|
| Opioids | Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin | May result in an overdose. May experience precipitated withdrawal if Suboxone is taken before the effects of other opioids wear off. |
| Benzodiazepines | Hydrocodone, Methadone, Tramadol, Oxycodone, Morphine | Risk of respiratory depression, drowsiness, depression |
| Antihistamines | Benadryl, Gravol | Increased sedation, dizziness, difficulty in breathing |
| Muscle relaxants | Zanaflex, Baclofen, Amrix | Increased risk of respiratory depression |
| Sleeping pills | Lunesta, Zaleplon (Sonata) | Increased sedation, drowsiness, and may disrupt the sleep cycle |
| Antidepressants | Citalopram, Prozac, Zoloft | Increased drowsiness, lower heart rate and blood pressure, shallow breathing |
| Seizure Medications | Gabapentin | Lethargy, impaired judgment |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers | Erythromycin, Norvir, Rifampin | Reduces the effectiveness of medication |
Furthermore, taking Suboxone and alcohol can have serious side effects because both act as central nervous system depressants. Some of these side effects include:
- Decreased breathing rate
- Decreased blood pressure
- Altered thinking process
- Increased risk of polysubstance addiction
- Increased risk of coma
To recover from polysubstance abuse, please call us at 844.445.2565.
Question# 4: Suboxone Vs. Belbuca Vs. Subutex: Which Medication Is Better For Opioid Addiction Treatment
Suboxone is not the only medication prescribed for opioid use disorder. You may be prescribed other medicines such as Belbuca, Methadone, or Subutex. Here is a comparison of these medications with Suboxone to give you a better overview:
| Suboxone | Belbuca | Subutex | Methadone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contains two active ingredients: Buprenorphine and Naloxone | Contains only Buprenorphine | Contains only Buprenorphine | Contains Methadone as an active ingredient |
| FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved | FDA-approved | FDA-approved |
| Available in strip and pill form | Available in sublingual film form | Available in pill and strip form | Available in tablet form |
| Low abuse potential because of Naloxone | Contains only Buprenorphine and may have high abuse potential by injecting it | Contains only Buprenorphine and may have high abuse potential by injecting it | High abuse potential compared to Suboxone |
Buprenorphine/Naloxone, Subutex, Methadone, and Belbuca all have some benefits and risks. With a doctor’s prescription and evaluation, all these medications are safe for the treatment of opioid use disorder. They work to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, in terms of abuse potential, Suboxone is superior to others because of low abuse potential and fewer associated long-term risks.
Question# 5: How Long After Suboxone Can I Get High? Suboxone Abuse Potential
Buprenorphine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the DEA. It has abuse potential. You are concerned if Suboxone is addictive and if it results in a high. Let us put your mind at ease. As discussed earlier, the Naloxone component prevents substance misuse by snorting or injecting it.
Naloxone is a full opioid antagonist. Injecting or snorting Suboxone activates the otherwise dormant Naloxone. This blocks opioids and may produce withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, Suboxone has a ceiling effect. A greater dose does not result in greater euphoria.
To sum up, you will not get high after taking the recommended dose, but that does not mean you can take more than the prescribed dose. Suboxone overdose is possible. If you experience these signs, please seek urgent medical care to reverse the effect of an overdose:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness or unresponsive
- Confusion
- Difficulty in maintaining balance
- Frequent vomiting
Suboxone overdose is preventable. If you think you are developing tolerance to this drug, please call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment. Our licensed doctor will help you out.
Question# 6: Are There any Side Effects of Buprenorphine/Naloxone?
Like every other medication, Suboxone has some side effects, but these side effects outweigh the risks associated with opioid addiction treatment. Some of the side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headache
- Problem with concentration
- Fever
- Flushing of skin
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
Some patients also report allergic reactions to Naloxone. You may be prescribed Subutex or some other medicine through the MAT program if you experience persistent Suboxone side effects.
5 Things to Know Before Starting Suboxone Treatment
Question# 7: What is The Duration Of Suboxone Treatment? How Long Does Suboxone Last?
The duration of any treatment is different from one person to another. It depends on the following factors:
- Severity of addiction
- If you are suffering from polysubstance abuse
- If you are diagnosed with a dual diagnosis
Suboxone is usually prescribed for 3-12 months. You may be recommended to take a daily dose because Suboxone has a short half-life. Your doctor will recommend you stop taking this medicine when you no longer feel the urge to stop taking opioids.
After completing the treatment, people often ask how long suboxone stays in the system or if Suboxone shows up in a drug test. Generally, there should be no traces of Suboxone in the blood after a week except in hair samples. But, the elimination depends on an individual’s metabolism and recommended dose.
Question# 8: How To Taper Off Buprenorphine/Naloxone?
Since Buprenorphine has some addictive properties, your body may develop some degree of dependence. After your doctor’s evaluation and successful completion of the treatment, the recommended dose will be gradually reduced. This prevents withdrawal symptoms.
An example of a tapering schedule may look like this:
Day 1: 16 mg initial dose
Day 2: 15 mg
After 1 week: 8 mg
After 2 weeks: 4 mg
Please note: This is an example schedule; please follow your doctor’s guidelines for tapering off.
Question# 9: Can Suboxone Be Used For Pain Management?
Suboxone (Buprenorphine) is used for opioid withdrawal management, such as Methadone and Fentanyl withdrawal. It may be recommended for pain management because of lower abuse potential. But for chronic pain management, it is not the first line of treatment because:
- Buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist
- Some patients may be allergic to Naloxone
- Buprenorphine is metabolized slowly in the liver, so it may not offer immediate relief
- Suboxone is not intended to treat chronic pain
- The FDA does not approve it for pain management.
Doctors still may recommend Suboxone due to some factors for pain management. It is best to ask your healthcare provider and avoid deviating from the recommended dosage.
Question# 10: Is Online Suboxone Prescription Available?
Yes, online Suboxone prescriptions are available at ChoicePoint. A very streamlined procedure is followed to dispense hassle-free prescriptions in the comfort of your home.
To get same-day suboxone prescription, please follow these guidelines:
- Schedule an appointment by calling our confidential helpline 844.445.2565
- Have our doctors evaluate your condition.
- Verify your insurance.
- Get your online prescription.
Telehealth Suboxone clinics also save you the nuisance of finding a Suboxone clinic near you. And bonus points? Suboxone treatment is covered by insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, and other insurance plans.
Is Suboxone Enough For OUD Treatment? Holistic Opioid Dependence Treatment At ChoicePoint
Suboxone is not a stand-alone treatment for OUD. MAT is only a part of addiction treatment. A holistic approach to opioid addiction treatment is essential for complete recovery. Addiction is a complex disease. In addition to physical side effects, it also impacts our mental health. Holistic care provides foundations for sustainable recovery.
Our approach to holistic addiction treatment includes the following:
- Behavioral Therapy
- Dual Diagnosis
- Spiritual healing through counseling
- Aftercare plans for lifelong recovery
Skeptical about getting treatment at ChoicePoint, here is what our patient has to say:
I don’t know where to begin. I have been with Choicepoint for about 2 years. Ever since joining, I feel my life has turned around. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Samantha. She has been my counselor ever since joining. Samantha helped me through this journey since day one. I can not thank her enough. She has always been there for me through the good times and bad. I look forward to my meetings with her every month because she knows how to help me through all the bad times I’ve had. My relationship with my wife and kids would not be the way it is if it wasn’t for Sam helping me get through this. She has even helped me overcome the tension with my inlaws. Again, Samantha, thank you so much for putting me back into the position I am now; my life has not been as successful as I can remember. You’re the best counselor anyone can ask for !- Shpendi Klobucista.
I don’t know where to begin. I have been with Choicepoint for about 2 years. Ever since joining, I feel my life has turned around. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Samantha. She has been my counselor ever since joining. Samantha helped me through this journey since day one. I can not thank her enough. She has always been there for me through the good times and bad. I look forward to my meetings with her every month because she knows how to help me through all the bad times I’ve had. My relationship with my wife and kids would not be the way it is if it wasn’t for Sam helping me get through this. She has even helped me overcome the tension with my inlaws. Again, Samantha, thank you so much for putting me back into the position I am now; my life has not been as successful as I can remember. You’re the best counselor anyone can ask for !- Shpendi Klobucista.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Our clients also ask us these questions related to Suboxone treatment
Who Can Prescribe Buprenorphine for Pain?
All medical practitioners can prescribe Buprenorphine for pain. However, the intended use for Buprenorphine in opioid withdrawal management.
Is Suboxone Better than Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder?
Yes, Suboxone is better than Methadone because:
- It has a lower abuse potential
- It has fewer associated side effects
- Take-home prescription is available for Suboxone, while Methadone is mostly under the supervision of a doctor.
Does Suboxone Cause Liver Damage?
Suboxone has a low risk for liver damage if taken as advised by the doctor. It is generally safe for long-term use.
What Does Suboxone Do to the Brain?
Suboxone binds to the mu- receptors in the brain. This prevents the binding of addictive opioids to the brain to stimulate the release of dopamine.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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