SearchHow Long Is Too Long To Be On This Withdrawal Treatment Medication?
Suboxone: What It Is & Why People Use It
Suboxone, one of the most commonly-prescribed medications in addiction treatment, is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone that is designed for individuals who are on the edge of an opioid overdose to reduce the potentially dangerous side effects. The medication has also been proven to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in those who are trying to recover from an opioid or alcohol use disorder.
In most cases, this medication needs to be prescribed by a medical professional; but many pharmacies have Suboxone available in case one of their patients is experiencing an overdose or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
The ingredients in Suboxone, buprenorphine and naloxone, work together to trick a person’s brain into thinking that they took an opioid drug like morphine or fentanyl. If the brain thinks that a drug is still in someone’s system, it will produce less intense withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is also proven to be effective when it comes to keeping individuals in treatment after detoxing.
Side Effects Of Using Suboxone
The job of Suboxone is to curb drug cravings and set individuals up for success during recovery. But, like all other prescription medications, it can also come with its own set of side effects.
Some negative side effects of suboxone use include, but are not limited to:
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- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Headache
- Back pain
- Feeling faint
How Long Should You Take Suboxone?
The length of time that someone will need to take Suboxone depends on their condition and its severity. The medication will likely be ineffective if it is used for less than one month, and can be dangerous if used for more than two years. So, in most cases, doctors will prescribe Suboxone to their patients for anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Once someone begins a Suboxone prescription, they will continually be evaluated by their doctor who will monitor their progress and determine when they don’t need the drug anymore. Individuals should not stop taking Suboxone on their own and should only wean down on their dosage with the permission of a medical professional.
What Happens If You Take Too Much Suboxone
Suboxone should be taken once a day and should not interact with alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, or other illicit drugs. If someone takes more than their recommended dosage, it is very likely that they will develop a high tolerance to the drug. Once someone has a high tolerance to a drug or medication, they may begin to become dependent on the substance. Suboxone addiction is extremely common and can damage the recovery process of many patients. Therefore, it is important to take this drug according to dosage and tell your doctor about everything you are feeling as you begin to live a sober lifestyle.
Getting Clean After Suboxone Treatment
Both during and after Suboxone treatment, individuals with opioid or alcohol use disorders are encouraged to explore other kinds of treatment options. Therapy, counseling, education, and other resources are available to help people with addictions get sober and develop the tools they need to stay sober.
To learn more about Suboxone and how to use it safely, contact our team of substance abuse treatment representatives by giving us a call at 267.209.7313.
