What Is Suboxone Used For? 

Key Takeaways

• Suboxone is a prescription medication combining buprenorphine and naloxone, used to treat opioid dependence.
• Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist, preventing overdose if injected.
• Suboxone is a key component of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and is administered sublingually.
• It must be used under medical supervision, alongside counseling and behavioral therapies.
• Suboxone can cause side effects ranging from nausea and headaches to severe respiratory depression and liver issues.
• Suboxone may interact with other drugs, especially with CNS depressants like alcohol, which can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
• Physical dependence on Suboxone is possible, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medication is abruptly discontinued.
• Healthcare providers should be informed of all medications a patient is taking to avoid harmful interactions with Suboxone.
• A medically supervised tapering schedule is recommended to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
• Patients should avoid alcohol while on Suboxone treatment to prevent the risk of overdose and increased side effects.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication designed to treat opioid dependence.

It is a formulation that combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

• Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, which means it produces a milder form of the effects that opioids have on the brain, thereby helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. 
• Naloxone: Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that works to block the effects of opioids. This combination is essential as it not only aids in reducing withdrawal discomfort but also discourages misuse of the medication.

Suboxone’s unique properties make it a cornerstone in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD).

The presence of naloxone in the medication is particularly crucial as it serves to prevent overdose by reversing opioid effects if Suboxone is injected rather than taken as prescribed. By binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, Suboxone can help individuals manage their addiction in a controlled manner, reducing the likelihood of illicit opioid consumption and supporting a path toward recovery.

It’s important to note that while Suboxone is an effective tool in treating OUD, it must be used under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies. This integrated approach ensures that individuals receive the full spectrum of care needed to address the complexities of addiction.

Suboxone Dosage and Administration

Suboxone is typically administered sublingually as a single daily dose.

The initial induction phase starts with Subutex (buprenorphine) to minimize the risk of precipitated withdrawal. Once stabilization is achieved, patients are on Suboxone, which combines buprenorphine with naloxone.

The target maintenance dosage usually ranges from 16 mg/4 mg to 24 mg/6 mg of buprenorphine/naloxone, though dosages as low as 4 mg/1 mg may be effective for some individuals.

Day 1 of treatment often begins with an induction dose of up to 8 mg/2 mg, with increments of 2 mg/0.5 mg or 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone at approximately two-hour intervals.

By Day 2, the dosage is typically increased to 16 mg/4 mg as a single dose. Adjustments are made based on the patient’s response to treatment to suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms and maintain the patient in treatment. The maximum recommended dosage per day is 24 mg/6 mg.

It’s important for patients to understand that Suboxone sublingual film or tablets must be taken whole; they should not be cut, chewed, or swallowed. The medication’s effectiveness and safety are contingent upon proper administration and dosage as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Patients should also be aware of potential drug interactions and communicate with their doctor about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs.

What Are the Side Effects of Suboxone?

Suboxone, a medication commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction, combines buprenorphine and naloxone. While it plays a crucial role in managing opioid use disorder, patients and healthcare providers must be aware of its potential side effects. These side effects can range from common, less severe symptoms to serious health concerns requiring immediate attention.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Respiratory depression

More severe side effects, although less common, can significantly impact one’s health:

• Breathing problems or respiratory depression, potentially leading to hypoventilation
• Liver issues such as jaundice or hepatitis
• Allergic reactions, which may manifest as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling
• Dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease
• Withdrawal symptoms if misused or abruptly discontinued

Suboxone can also have serious side effects that require immediate medical attention, including:

• Respiratory complications, such as depressed breathing.
• Allergic reactions in the form of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Agitation or hallucinations indicate a potential neurological reaction.
• Palpitations or fast, pounding heartbeats could signal cardiovascular issues.
• Muscle aches or cramps, which may be debilitating.
• Low blood pressure upon standing, potentially leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Liver problems, such as liver failure or changes in liver function, can be detected through jaundice or dark urine.
• Changes in adrenal gland function affect hormones and overall health.

Patients experiencing these side effects should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Suboxone’s safety label warns against the increased risk of severe reactions when mixed with alcohol or abused. It is crucial to follow medical guidance closely to mitigate these risks.

It’s also important to discuss any existing health conditions with a healthcare provider before starting Suboxone, as it may interact with other medications and exacerbate certain medical issues. Understanding and promptly addressing these side effects can improve the safety and efficacy of Suboxone treatment for opioid dependence.

Does Suboxone Interact with Other Drugs?

Suboxone has been identified to interact with a variety of substances, including other medications and certain foods. Patients and healthcare providers must be aware of these interactions when taking Suboxone, as these can have serious implications for treatment effectiveness and patient safety.

Suboxone can have disease interactions with conditions such as:

• Respiratory depression
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Intracranial pressure
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Hypotension 

The presence of these conditions can complicate Suboxone therapy and may require careful monitoring or dosage adjustments.

Other medications can also interact with Suboxone, either reducing its effectiveness or exacerbating side effects. Patients should provide a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies they are taking to their healthcare provider to ensure safe administration of Suboxone. This includes over-the-counter medications and prescribed drugs, as some may lead to adverse effects or interfere with the action of Suboxone.

Healthcare providers must review a patient’s complete medication regimen to avoid harmful interactions and provide guidance on any necessary precautions. By doing so, they can ensure the safety and efficacy of Suboxone as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid dependence.

The Risks of Mixing Suboxone with Alcohol

Combining Suboxone with alcohol is highly risky due to its compounded depressant effects on the central nervous system.

Suboxone itself is comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work to reduce opioid cravings and block the effects of opioids, respectively. However, when taken with alcohol, the soothing properties of both substances can dangerously intensify, leading to severe side effects.

• Exacerbated Side Effects: The concurrent use of Suboxone and alcohol can amplify side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. This can increase the risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired motor skills and cognitive function.
• Respiratory Depression: Both substances are known to slow breathing rates. When combined, this effect can become more pronounced, potentially leading to life-threatening respiratory suppression.
• Risk of Overdose: The risk of overdose escalates when mixing Suboxone with alcohol due to the enhanced depressant effects, which can cause loss of consciousness, coma, or even death.
• Interference with Treatment: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of Suboxone in treating opioid dependence, potentially hindering recovery efforts and leading to increased tolerance and dependence on both substances.

Given these risks, individuals on Suboxone therapy must avoid alcohol consumption. Healthcare providers typically advise patients of the dangers of mixing these substances and offer guidance on preventing such interactions.

Does Suboxone Cause Withdrawal or Dependence?

While effective in the management of opioid dependence, the potential for physical dependence on Suboxone itself is a concern. Discontinuation or abrupt reduction in dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be both physical and psychological.

Common physical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue

These symptoms typically begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose and can peak within the first 72 hours.

The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the length of time Suboxone was used, the dosage, and individual physiological factors. Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability can also occur, and psychological dependence may persist even after physical symptoms subside.

To mitigate withdrawal symptoms, a medically supervised tapering schedule, which can range from 7 to 28 days, is often recommended. Such a gradual reduction in dosage allows the body to adjust without experiencing the full brunt of withdrawal symptoms. It’s essential to seek professional help when discontinuing Suboxone to ensure a safe and effective recovery process.

Get Help for Opioid Dependence at The Recovery Village

At The Recovery Village Rehab Centers, we take the extra steps to treat your addiction or mental health needs by offering a full continuum of care. From medical detox to rehab to aftercare, we are focused on supporting your recovery every step of the way.

Our representatives can answer your questions and guide you toward treatment in your area. Your call will be confidential, and you don’t have to commit to a program to learn more about treatment options. Call today and find out how we can help you towards a healthier, happier future.