Suboxone (buprenorphine with naloxone) is currently available for the maintenance treatment of opioid addiction. The intention of adding naloxone to the formulation is to deter intravenous misuse. . Suboxone treatment is intended for use in adults and adolescents more than 16 years of age who have agreed to be treated for addiction.
Suboxone is used during the withdrawal/detox phase of treatment. Suboxone has recently become the drug of choice instead of methadone. Suboxone has a lower potential for abuse and is less dangerous in an overdose. As patients progress on therapy in a residential program, the physician may write a prescription for a take-home supply of the medication. Suboxone Prescription Only those physicians who have approval from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are able to start in-office treatment and provide prescriptions for ongoing medication.
The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) maintains an active database to help patients locate qualified doctors. Route of Administration Suboxone is available as a tablet which is always administered sublingually. The pill is placed underneath the tongue until it is fully dissolved. Swallowing or sucking on the pill does not offer any therapeutic benefit. When placed underneath the tongue, the pill dissolves and is absorbed in 10 -20 minutes. Suboxone treatment is generally done under medical supervision. During the induction phase, one is taught how to properly take the medications and dose adjustments are done during the phase. One is usually started on the smallest dose until the best therapeutic effect is obtained. Once the ideal dose is obtained, the individual is seen once in a while and prescriptions can generally be available from the same physician. Suboxone is available as 2 and 8 mg tablets. Most anecdotal reports indicate that the response to the 2 mg dose is suboptimal. The majority of individuals report benefit at higher doses of 8-16 mg. The aim of the maintenance treatment is to rid the drug craving and decrease the anxiety. The dose is usually adjusted until the drug craving features are diminished. . The majority of past drug users immediately adjust to Suboxone as the cravings disappear immediately and a smoother life style are accessible.