Opiate dependence is a tough opponent. But Suboxone is a medication for opiate addiction that’s been shown to have some advantages.
One of the ingredients of Suboxone, buprenorphine, came into use 10 years ago. There weren’t enough treatment centers for addiction, and a medication that could be prescribed in a doctor’s office was needed. Buprenorphine was chosen because it’s difficult to overdose on; it contains opiate blockers. In 2002 the FDA approved it for treating opiate dependence.
Suboxone is buprenorphine with naloxone added, which also contains opiate blockers. It works in conjunction with another medication, Subutex. Subutex is given to patients during the first days of treatment, then replaced by Suboxone for the maintenance phase.
Like buprenorphine, one of the biggest advantages of Suboxone is that it can be given in a doctor’s office. Methadone can only be dispensed in an addiction treatment clinic, and there aren’t enough clinics to fill the need. There are usually about 2 to 3 million patients who need treatment, and only 150,000 of those have a clinic available to them. So now, many more people have access to effective medical care.
Another advantage of Suboxone is that, if patients do well with it, they can take a supply of it home. That’s because the risk of abuse is low. There are also steps taken to manage this risk, such as educating patients, limiting take-home amounts, and monitoring local drug markets and websites to see if abuse is taking place in the area.
However, there are things to be aware of when taking Suboxone. Although it has a low risk of abuse, it’s an opioid, or a drug that resembles opiates, and it can be addictive. Patients shouldn’t stop taking it suddenly, or they can experience withdrawal symptoms. Doctors should monitor a gradual decrease, if needed.
Because Suboxone is an opioid, it can slow breathing and cause excess drowsiness. Another serious side effect is a possible allergic reaction; watch for hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat or face. Also watch for jaundice, stomach pain, and nausea, which may be signs of liver problems. Patients with these symptoms should call the doctor or go to the emergency room.
As with any medication, there are risks and benefits to be weighed. Patients, doctors, and families can consider the facts and come to the best decision.
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