Suboxone and Opiates

When taking suboxone, it is essential that the patient who is addicted to other opiates stops taking them. There is concern that there may be an interaction between the two drugs that can result in potential misuse of suboxone.

Suboxone contains buprenorphine that is a partial opioid receptor agonist. It works by displacing any attached opioids on the opioid receptors and preventing the further attachment of these opioids in the future. In doing so, it can actively help patients get over their addiction to opioids.

Be that as it may, it is important that patients who take suboxone do so upon prescription only and strictly abide by the instructions of health care professional. If the patient continues to abuse opioids such as heroin and commences on suboxone, they may not experience any sort of benefit. In fact, there is a risk that these patients may develop serious side-effects which could be life-threatening. Common symptoms include tremors, irritability and lack of sleep. Patients may also feel nauseous as well.

There are recommendations to follow if one is considering getting rid of the opioid dependence. It is not recommended that the patient whose life depends on opioids suddenly just stop taking them and start suboxone. There has to be an acute management phase where the opioids that are already in the system are gently displaced from the opioid receptor and replaced by buprenorphine. It is for this reason that an acute management of opioid dependence, patients are commenced on buprenorphine only medication i.e. Subotex. After a short period of taking this medication, patients are commenced on a maintenance dose of suboxone that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. This gentle transition allows for the receptors to be prepared and for the body not to respond in an unusual way so as to create uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

There are a number of forums online where discussions regarding this have been held. The common concern is when exactly to start suboxone. It is strongly recommended that patients seek advice from a health care professional if they have any questions or concerns. Not doing so and taking matters into their own hands can have serious side-effects and can cause multiple health problems and even possibly death.

In conclusion, patients who are addicted to opiates need to follow a strict regime when it comes to withdrawing from them using suboxone.