The DATA 2000 or Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 suggests
Suboxone as the first line of treatment for anyone who has been
diagnosed with opioid dependence. Suboxone is consumed as sublingual
tablets and reduces the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms of
opioids. It decreases the craving and can help in overcoming the
dependence.
What is Suboxone used for?
Suboxone is primarily used to decrease the difficulty in getting rid
of opiate abuse. It eases the entire process by making withdrawal
symptoms less extreme so that they are relatively easier to bear and
tolerate. Formal treatment of drug abuse starts with an evaluation of
whether the drug addict requires Suboxone in the first place or not.
In addition to that Suboxone is only administered when the withdrawal
symptoms trigger off. Early administration can have a
counterproductive result.
How does Suboxone Work?
The active ingredient in the drug is Buprenorphine, a partial opioid
agonist. This means that the drug itself has some effects that are
similar to opioids. However, the symptoms are lesser than those that
are experienced when a full opioid like methadone, oxycodone, heroin
or hydrocodone is consumed. It therefore helps in the withdrawal
symptoms that can otherwise be extremely acute.
Suboxone also contains naloxone, something that blocks the effect of
opiates. However, it should be kept in mind that if Suboxone is
injected, the naloxone in it is known to block the effect of
buprenorphine, thereby causing withdrawal symptoms to occur. However,
when it is consumed sublingually, it does not affect the working of
buprenorphine. Therefore, it helps significantly in keeping off the
drug completely.
How can Suboxone be Abused?
Even though Subozone is used for patients who are in the maintenance
phase of recovery from opiate dependence, the fact is that Suboxone
itself is addictive in nature. The drug should be used exactly as it
has been recommended and it cannot be treated like SOS mediation. This
is mainly because stopping the use of Subozone can cause withdrawal
symptoms to return immediately.
Even though the effect of Subozone is relatively milder than that of
regular opiates, recreational users combine it with benxodiazepines,
sleeping pills, tranquilizers and alcohol to increase the overall
effect. Such combinations can cause extreme drowsiness, sedation and
even death.
What are the Side Effects of using Suboxone?
Suboxone should not be taken if it has not been prescribed. Those
allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone should also avoid this opiate
recovery drug. Some of the side effects that one can expect during a
Suboxone detox include flu like symptoms, headaches, chills, sweating,
issues with sleeping, nausea and mood swings. Diminished breathing is
one aspect of the drug that needs to be monitored since fatal
incidents have been reported.
Overuse of Suboxone can cause cold and clammy skin, weakness,
fainting, low blood pressure, pin point pupils, sedation and coma too.
There are people who try and use Suboxone on their own too since it is
a partial opioid. Checking out whether an individual is on Suboxone is
easy and can be done with a simple Suboxone
drug test.
Suboxone Drug Test Kits Available – But What is Suboxone?
11 comments
Subscribe
Is it true that there is a certain level u can hit and the amount of subs u take doesnt matter ur still getting the same affect and the amount u take wont make a difference. like if u take 2 subs then u up it to 4 a day do u get any higher.because i dont know any doctor that perscribes more than 3 subs a day is there a reason for that? if this makes ne sense please respond
Hello,
I don’t know the answer to that question. Please do not take any medication at a level beyond what is prescribed by your doctor. Taking more medication than you are supposed to is very dangerous.
Please take care,
Robyn
Hello,
It would appear, from the comments set forth here by Jim, that his concern is really in three(3) parts.
Part 1 is the concern of quantity.
Part 2 is the concern of the catalytic liaison when compared to time.
Part 3 is the concern of the spacing of the medication by the prescribing doctor when the maintenance phase of recovery is torn between Buprenorphine and naloxone when and if fasting is introduced.
Jim, I hope this helps to alleviate your concerns, and will counter-fuge any fears you may have. And remember, “Today is yesterday’s tomorrow.”
Good luck,
David
P.S. Robyn…Don’t hate yourself in the morning……….sleep till noon!
my doctor tells me that I will be on suboxone forever that I am a high risk of relapse with a hip replacement, dropped left foot siatic nerve damage, other injuries due to an auto accident 31 years ago complications over the years that include Osteomylitis in my left affected foot – large amounts of percocet to treat me I have damaged “receptors” in my brain and therefore I will be on this miracle drug suboxone forever also kills craving for pot, marjuania gave that uo long ago with suboxone.
This drug has changed my life it treats my pain and eradicates my desire to want to get high.
Ben
can suboxone be prescribed for anything else because i was presbed it 2 years ago when i had insurance then lost insurance trying to get insurance again but keep getting denied because i was prescribed suboxone what can i say it was prescribed for ?
Hi Tom,
I’m sorry, I really do not know. I would recommend doing more research or asking a doctor or treatment center counselor.
Thank you,
Robyn
Hi Tom,
In answer to your question about other uses for Suboxone; my doctor prescribes it to me for chronic pain, not for opiate addiction.
I have a question regarding overuse of Suboxone. My sister-in-law is going through a treatment program and is supposed to be weaning off of it. I believe that she is abusing. I found a message asking her to switch a strip for a pill. I believe she is snorting now because of money and behavior issues. Is there a way for her doctor to test her to see if she is abusing again?
what happens if a child put it in her mouth n spit it out even if it is a lil piece she let say she swallow it? what could happen??
Hi Kathy,
Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question adequately. Please see a doctor. Good luck.
Thanks,
Robyn
Hey Homehealthtesting,
I know what you mean, If you’ve seen what you think might be the signs of drug use or symptoms of drug use in your teen and are considering the idea of using home drug tests, but have worries that your teen might try to beat a drug test if you administered it, then you aren’t alone. If your teen is able to beat a home drug test, then you could get the false impression that no drug problem exists. Ignorance is not bliss.
Great Job!