Suboxone is the first FDA approved drug that doctors are allowed to prescribe for opioid dependence with buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, as the main active ingredient.
Users of suboxone do not experience the effects they do with other opioids like methadone, morphine, or heroin. Suboxone has less potential for overdose or abuse than other drugs used in therapy addiction.
Suboxone contains naloxone which is used to block the effects of other opioids but if the drug is injected it will block the effects of buprenorphine which will result in withdrawal symptoms. The best way to receive the full benefit of Suboxone is to stick it under your tongue and let it resolve. Taking the drug this way will ensure that the drug works correctly.
The following symptoms indicate the Suboxone you are taking may not be working as prescribed. In the event you experience any of these you will want to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include:
Diarrhea, insomnia, muscle cramps, severe mood swings, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
There are several side effects you need to be aware of when taking Suboxone. Many are common but there are several that are severe. If you experience any severe side effects you need to contact a healthcare professional immediately. Side effects of taking Suboxone include:
Chills, headaches, mood swings, problems breathing, inability to sleep, and nausea.
If you are unsure whether or not you are experiencing side effects you need to consult with your doctor. They will be able to modify the dosage or make other changes to keep you from suffering.
Finally, avoid taking antidepressants while using Suboxone as this can be extremely dangerous because it is much likelier to overdose when taking this combination of drugs.
Make your doctor aware of other medications you are using and follow their instructions, doing so will put you on the right path to recovery.
Any medication, no matter what purpose it serves, can be abused. And Suboxone is no different. Even though it is used to help those with opiate addiction, addicts have found a way to use the medication to get high. In fact, hospitals and law enforcement are reporting that more and more people are now using Suboxone for recreational purposes.
Many people will try to use other drugs such as Ambien, antidepressants, and other opiates along with Suboxone to increase their high. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to extreme sedation and even death. If you use Suboxone for anything other than what it is supposed to be used for, that is considered abuse.
Some say the ease of which you can get a prescription to this drug is the reason why more and more people are abusing it. Suboxone abuse cases are becoming more and more popular. That is why it is so important to properly educate yourself about this medication before you start taking it.
The problem with Suboxone is that one of the main ingredients, Buprenorphine, acts just like morphine or heroin. The only difference is that the euphoric feeling is not as strong. So you still get a little high by taking a medication that is supposed to help you get off of drugs.
While I understand the reasoning behind it, I think it hurts addicts more than it helps them. It seems to create a new addiction which I believe is the reason behind all the abuse. If you stop taking Suboxone to fast, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Patients are basically getting a legal high. But once they see they can take that high to another level with other drugs, that’s exactly what they do. So is it really treating the addict or just temporarily covering up the problem? I would put my money on the latter.
And don’t get me wrong, I am sure this form of medication has helped many people get off of opiates and change their life. Which is a wonderful thing? But what about those who abuse the drug? What’s the next step for them?