Suboxone Treatment Program - Wisconsin
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002 to be used as part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Suboxone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of opioid addiction. MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. There are several medications that are similar or generic medications to Suboxone, such as Zubsolv, Sublocade (monthly injection), and generic Buprenorphine/Naloxone tablets or films. You and your provider will decide which treatment is best for you.
What Is Suboxone
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine (an opioid medication) and naloxone (a medication that blocks the effects of opioid medication) that is used to treat opioid addiction, including addiction to heroin and narcotic painkillers. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone can be safe and effective in treating these addictions.
Suboxone is not a cure for opioid addiction. It should be used as a component of another form of treatment, such as psychiatric care, counseling, group therapy, or intensive outpatient therapy that focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and reduce the risk of relapse.
How Does It Work?
Suboxone is taken as a film that is placed under the tongue to dissolve. It suppresses withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids, which can help prevent relapse. Suboxone, when used as prescribed, does not cause euphoria. Additionally, a single administration is able to block the euphoric effects of other opioids for at least 24 hours.
The most common side effects of Suboxone are:
Headache
Nausea
Fever
Sweating
Constipation
Anxiety and/or depression
These effects usually occur at the beginning of treatment and may last a few weeks.
Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their physician before taking any medication-assisted therapies such as Suboxone.
Sublocade is a monthly injection that contains the active ingredient buprenorphine. This medication is used in adults with opiate dependence. If patients are interested in this treatment option they can be assessed by their treatment provider to see if they meet the criteria to receive this injection. This option can be beneficial for the patient who struggles to remember to take daily medication and to help reduce the risk of relapse.
Suboxone Dosage Information
It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your doctor. Misuse of Suboxone can lead to breathing problems and other life-threatening consequences.
Suboxone can begin to work within 30 minutes of the first dose and last up to 2-3 days. The typical course of treatment with Suboxone can last for months or years. Studies have shown that the longer someone is on Suboxone , the more effective the medication is. Studies have also shown that a patient may need to be on Suboxone longer to reduce the chance of relapsing and allow for more time in recovery.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Never share your prescription with anyone else. Selling or giving Suboxone is against the law. Misuse of Suboxone, like other narcotic pain medications, can cause addiction, overdose or death.
Suboxone Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications. Some medications may have adverse effects when mixed with Suboxone, including drowsiness or other serious and even life-threatening effects. Sedatives, sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers and any medications taken for anxiety, depression and seizures must be discussed with your doctor prior to taking Suboxone.
Do not consume alcohol or other illegal drugs that slow breathing while taking Suboxone. This interaction can lead to loss of consciousness or death
Phases of Suboxone Recovery:
Induction Phase
The initial phase of treatment, called “induction,” occurs under the supervision of your provider. This phase begins once a person is in the early stages of withdrawal. Your medication provider will work with you to find the right dose that will reduce the person’s use of other opioids without causing withdrawal symptoms, serious side effects, or cravings.
If a person takes Suboxone prior to entering the early stages of withdrawal or has other opioids in their system, the medication can cause acute feelings of withdrawal.
Stabilization Phase
This phase begins once cravings for opioids have subsided and side effects have diminished. Adjustments to dosing may occur during this stage under the direction of your provider.
Maintenance Phase
The stabilization phase is followed by a period called “maintenance.” During this phase you will continue to take medication as prescribed. It is encouraged that you seek therapy or other forms of treatment such as IOP during this time. By combining the medication along with therapy, it greatly increases recovery outcomes.
The duration of treatment will vary and can be adjusted up or down based on the person’s needs. In some cases, individuals engage in MAT treatment for years or indefinitely.