Suboxone

Dangers of Suboxone Use

The use of Suboxone as a treatment intervention for opioid addiction is a controversial one. On one hand, there are those who do not believe that addiction to drugs should be treated with a medication that also has the potential to cause dependence. While there is value in this premise, Suboxone has had significant success in helping patients to control severe cravings, prevent a relapse and lead manageable lives. In fact, it was the first opioid medication to be approved by the Drug Abuse Treatment Act for its effectiveness in decreasing cravings for opioids and suppressing symptom of opioid withdrawal.

As a combination drug, Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a mixed agonist–antagonist opioid or narcotic medication. Naloxone is an antagonist narcotic drug that reverses the effects of other narcotic drugs. Together, Buprenorphine and Naloxone provide relief for opioid addicts pursuing recovery.

Dangers of Suboxone

While supervised use of Suboxone does not typically result in Suboxone dependence and addiction, there is always the potential for abuse because of the presence of Buprenorphine. As an opioid drug, Buprenorphine is classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Schedule III Controlled Substance. As such, misuse of Suboxone can cause the following problems.

• Continued use, even at regular doses, can lead to dependence and addiction is this process is not halted.
• Suboxone abuse can slow down or stop respiratory functions which can lead to death.
• Addiction can occur if Suboxone is taken at high doses and beyond the period prescribed for use by a physician.
• Patients who stop taking Suboxone has the potential to relapse without the support of the drug.
• Suboxone can cause long term effects such as low testosterone and tooth decay.
• Overdosing on Suboxone has the potential to be fatal. As an approved FDA treatment for opioid addiction, the administration of Suboxone is also regulated by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Statistical data from these sources also indicate that Suboxone is an effective treatment when it use is supervised and administered in a primary care setting. When compared with Methadone or placebo pills in the treatment of opioid addiction, Suboxone has been shown to be effective for most users.

You may be experiencing a dependence on Suboxone if:

a) You feel emotionally unbalanced.

b) There is loss of libido and overall interest in sex

c) There are symptoms of depression

d) You are losing your hair.

e) If you experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and cramps, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, sweating, slurred speech and increased blood pressure when regular use of Suboxone is halted.

When used appropriately, Suboxone is a drug that can provide relief for many people battling addiction. Addiction to Suboxone can be avoided by using this drug only as prescribed and under the direction of a qualified physician.

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction Suboxone or other substances of abuse, long term sobriety is possible. Treatment can help you to understand the various cycles of addiction and equip you with the tools to overcome them. Call Austin Drug Treatment Centers today at (512) 687-8799 to find out about innovative treatment programs that are available.