Symptoms, withdrawal effects, and rehabilitation options for Suboxone abuse, detailed.
Suboxone is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder. This medication, which contains two agents - buprenorphine and naloxone, plays a crucial role in helping individuals manage their addiction.
Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, lessens withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using other opioids. On the other hand, naloxone, an opioid antagonist, becomes active if a person uses the medication in ways other than prescribed, such as injecting or snorting, and blocks the effect of other opioids.
The induction phase of Suboxone treatment involves doctors placing a person on a low dose of 2 mg buprenorphine / 0.5 mg naloxone or 4 mg buprenorphine / 1 mg naloxone on day 1. During this phase, doctors will re-evaluate a person's withdrawal symptoms after 2 hours and may give another dose of Suboxone if necessary.
It's essential to note that the maintenance phase can last several months or indefinitely, and a person and their doctor can have ongoing discussions about stopping Suboxone or gradually reducing their dose as appropriate. In the maintenance phase, a doctor will recommend a stable dosage of Suboxone for an extended period to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
However, using more than the recommended dosage of Suboxone can increase a person's risk of severe side effects, including chills, sedation, irritability, stomach pain, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, dizziness, coma, and death. If symptoms are severe, they should call 911 or immediately go to their nearest emergency room.
Suboxone is available under other brand names, such as Zubsolv, and there are generic forms of it available. The medication can be taken as an oral film or an oral tablet, and it should be placed under the tongue or between the tongue and cheeks where it will dissolve.
Anyone who thinks they are experiencing substance use disorder relating to Suboxone should speak with a doctor for guidance and supervision. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines substance use disorder as a complex chronic condition where people continue to use a substance despite experiencing harmful consequences.
Common signs and symptoms of addiction to Suboxone include behavioral and physical indicators such as taking the drug more frequently or in larger amounts than prescribed, using it by unusual methods like snorting, and displaying negative changes in social interactions or lifestyle functioning. Physically, someone addicted may appear overly relaxed or low energy, become irritable if unable to use the drug for extended periods, or have paraphernalia related to snorting (e.g., razor blades or straws) and residue on their person. They may also engage in buying, selling, or trading Suboxone despite adverse consequences.
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms, which may occur if usage stops or is tapered, can include depression, sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, body aches, cravings, runny nose, watery eyes, diarrhea, mood swings, and cold sweats. These symptoms resemble other opioid withdrawals but are often less severe with Suboxone compared to stronger opioids.
If a person has symptoms of opioid overdose or has taken a large amount of Suboxone accidentally, they should contact a doctor or call the American Association of Poisons Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool.
In the case of an overdose, overdose symptoms may include blurred vision, difficulty breathing, dizziness, pale or blue lips and skin, pinpoint pupils, unusual drowsiness or weakness, and confusion, requiring urgent medical attention.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends that people who want to use Suboxone do so under the supervision of a doctor specializing in treating Suboxone use disorder. Doctors may start Suboxone treatment sooner with microdosing, which involves taking minute amounts of the drug to test its effectiveness and reduce potential side effects.
Suboxone is classified as a schedule III controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating it has a moderate to low potential for physical or psychological dependence.
In conclusion, Suboxone can be a valuable tool in managing opioid use disorder, but it's essential to use it responsibly and under medical supervision. Anyone experiencing symptoms of addiction or overdose should seek immediate help.
- Science has shown that Suboxone, used in the management of opioid use disorder, contains two components – buprenorphine and naloxone – that work together to lessen withdrawal symptoms and prevent misuse through naloxone's opioid antagonist properties.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, it's crucial to acknowledge that Suboxone use disorder, like other substance use disorders, is a complex chronic condition, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), where individuals continue to use Suboxone despite harmful consequences, evidenced by signs such as taking more than prescribed, using it unusually, engaging in risky behaviors, and displaying physical symptoms like depression, nausea, and sweating during withdrawal.
- To ensure Suboxone is used safely and effectively in the treatment of opioid use disorder, it is advised by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that this medication be taken under the supervision of a doctor specializing in Suboxone use disorder, with potential microdosing as an approach to reduced side effects and determining effective doses before committing to long-term treatment.
