Suboxone
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat addiction to opioids like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Suboxone comes as a sublingual film or tablet with a combination of two medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. The film dissolves more rapidly than the tablet for faster absorption, and the majority of patients studied preferred the taste of the film over the tablet.[1]
Buprenorphine is classified as an opioid partial agonist-antagonists. It is an opioid, but its effects are limited. Buprenorphine can block the effects of other opioids. Naloxone is classified as an opioid antagonist, and it blocks the effects of opioids which are full opioid agonists. Suboxone can block the withdrawal symptoms when a patient stops taking opioids.[2]
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| Brand name for | Buprenorphine and naloxone[1] |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bryant Ranch, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., Physicians Total Care, Inc.[1] |
| Generic available? | Yes |
| Uses | Used to treat opioid dependence[1] |
| Common side effects | Stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, sweating, mouth numbing (film only)[1] |
| Major side effects | Slowed breathing, upset stomach, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, impaired breathing in children[1] |
| Warnings | Patients who have difficulty breathing, adrenal problems, benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate gland), difficulty urinating, head injury, hallucinations, gallbladder disease, stomach conditions, and thyroid, kidney, liver, or lung disease may be unable to take Suboxone. Patients who are taking who are taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants including alcohol may be unable to take Suboxone.[2] [1] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Contents |
Suboxone Overview
Legal and illegal opiates are powerful narcotics that are often misused. Opioid abuse can cause physical dependence. Suboxone is used to manage the often-severe withdrawal symptoms that result when a patient is addicted to these substances.[2]
Suboxone is available in a sublingual film or a tablet. The film is dissolved under the tongue once a day. The prescription is usually started in the doctor's office with buprenorphine alone in order to determine the correct dose. This may be adjusted over several days. When the correct dose of buprenorphine has been determined, the patient will be switched to Suboxone.[2] [3]
Suboxone Abuse
Suboxone is a schedule III controlled substance. It has high potential for abuse, and may be sought out illegally by those with opioid addictions.
Taking more than the recommended dosage of Suboxone can result in serious problems. Symptoms of Suboxone overdose may include some or all of the following:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Sedation
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Death[4]
Suboxone Side Effects
Use of Suboxone may cause the following common side effects:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping[2]
Some side effects can be serious. The following side effects of Suboxone may require medical attention:
- Slowed breathing
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Extreme tiredness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Lack of energy
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Flu-like symptoms[2]
- Suboxone is not for use in conjunction with antidepressants, sleeping pills, or narcotic pain relievers.[2]
- Consuming alcohol while on Suboxone can exacerbate breathing impairment.[2]
- Suboxone users may feel lightheaded when rising from a reclined position.[2]
Prescription Drugs
Also See: Suboxone Side Effects, Suboxone Patient Assistance Programs, Morphine Coupons, Morphine Side Effects, Oxycodone Coupons, Oxycodone Side Effects, Oxycontin Side Effects, Percocet Side Effects, Vicodin Side Effects
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