There is an FDA-approved drug used alongside therapy in medication-assisted treatment programs to help people in recovery from opioids. It’s called Suboxone and is a combination of 80% buprenorphine and 20% naloxone. There are Suboxone side effects and other things that people should know about this medication before beginning treatment.
To learn more about how long suboxone lasts, what the Suboxone side effects are, and who is the best candidate for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), call Evoke Wellness at 866.429.2960 or complete this easy form.
How Does Suboxone Work?
The human brain contains opioid receptors because the brain produces naturally occurring opioid-like chemicals that are released during exciting, pleasant, or joyful experiences. Opioids like Oxy or heroin activate those receptors at an intense level and trigger strong feelings of euphoria. People become addicted when they can no longer achieve feelings of pleasure or satisfaction without the drug, and more and more of it is needed simply to maintain a base level and avoid withdrawal.
The way the two ingredients in Suboxone work is that the buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist, produces enough opioid-like effects that it fools the brain into thinking it is fully dosed. The naloxone then blocks the opioid receptors and reverses the buprenorphine’s euphoric effects. This combination also blocks the brain’s ability to become high if another opioid is introduced and prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The efficacy of Suboxone makes it an excellent treatment that has helped countless sufferers break free of opioid addiction. But it does have some side effects.
Common Suboxone Side Effects
Remember that Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist, meaning it is in the opioid family. Some of the side effects of Suboxone relate to that fact. For example, some side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Increased perspiration
- Tingling or numbness
- Tongue pain
- Back pain
- Drowsiness
- Nausea, constipation, or vomiting
- Insomnia
Finally, if misused, Suboxone can create a physical dependency, which means withdrawal when coming off it.
How Long Does Suboxone Last?
How long Suboxone works in the system depends on things like addiction history, dosage, and the individual’s weight. The active effects of the drug can last anywhere from 12 to 60 hours. The goal of dosage determination is to block the effects of other opioids for between 24 and 36 hours. As far as drug tests are concerned, it can be detected in the blood for up to eight days, in urine for two weeks, and in hair for months.
There are three phases of Suboxone administration:
- During withdrawal, the induction phase begins 24 hours after the last dose of opioid and helps mitigate detox symptoms.
- Dosage is adjusted to best manage symptoms until the acute phase of withdrawal is over and the patient is stabilized.
- Maintenance is when the proper level of Suboxone is determined and can be administered at regular intervals to maintain sobriety and support recovery. Though not necessary, eventually, Suboxone can be tapered off over time if the individual is ready.
The goal of medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone is to help people live meaningful lives of recovery, focus on therapy, a vital part of MAT, and return to the things of life that are important to them.
Learn about Suboxone and Its Side Effects by Calling Evoke Wellness Now
Under medical care and with the support of a licensed addiction treatment facility like Evoke Wellness, your detox and early recovery from opioids will be optimized. Medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorders. The multi-faceted approach is best. In other words, Suboxone on its own is not enough, and therapy is always recommended. That’s why it’s called medication-assisted treatment, not medication treatment.
Let the professionals at Evoke Wellness answer your questions and help you sort through your options. It’s easy to connect. Just fill out this form or call us at 866.429.2960.
