SUBOXONE FAQ's
1. Why are some people more likely to become opioid-dependent?
A. It is not completely understood why some people, and not others
become dependent on opioids (or other addictive substances). The majority
of people do not become opioid-dependent after taking opioids. However,
the following factors show pattern of the likelihood of dependency:
- Risk-taking personality
- Psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
- stress (high stress seem to increase the desire to escape and take substances that create the edorphal effect)
- Genetic factors that influence drug metabolism
- Family history of alcoholism
- Personalities that seek social acceptance and are under peer pressure to experiment with opioids
2. How recent has SUBOXONE treatment been introduced?
A. Buprenorphic was introduced in US as SUBOXONE in 2003, and buprenorphine was introduced in Europe in the mid-90's. so far more than 400.000 opioid -dependent patients have been treated with buprenorphine worldwide.
3. Does SUBOXONE just substitute one dependance for another?
A. Suboxone is part of a class of opioids called, "partial opioid agonists" which appears to produce less dependence, limited euphoria, and much less potential for abuse. AS a partial agonist, SUBOXONE was designed with a milder withdrawal syndrome than full agonists. There is still a potential for abuse with SUBOXONE but much milder, so the dose needs to be gradually tapered and managed under your doctors supervision.
4. Can I take too much SUBOXONE?
A. There is a lower potential for fatal overdose with SUBOXONE compared to full opioid against because it has a limited affect on reducing breathing. As long as SOBOXONE is taken orally on its own without alcohol, antidepressants, tranquilizers, sedatives and benzodiazepines. SUBOXONE should never be taken intravenously because this misuse usually also combined with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, has been associated with significant respiratory depression and death.
5. Why do I need to be in withdrawal when I start SUBOXONE?
A. It is important that you do not start taking SUBOXONE while you have high levels of another opioid in your system because SUBOXONE will compete with other opioid molecules and knock them off the receptors. Taken too early with other opioids SUBOXONE may make you feel sick and may go into precipated withdrawal because as a partial-opioid it has less of an effect compared to full opioids. However, if you are already in your first stage of withdrawal when you begin your first dose of SUBOXONE it will help you recover and make you feel better instead of worse. It is imperative you work under the care of your doctor who can assess your withdrawal symptoms and determine when you are ready to take SUBOXONE.
6. How long will I stay on SUBOXONE?
A. Dr. Fortune specializes in detox treatment and will be able to determine the timing and dose quantity so that you can maintain a opioid-free lifestyle. Initially SOBOXONE will help suppress craving for full opioid use so that the psychological and behavior aspects can be addressed. for some a short-term treatment can be an effective option, but a longer treatment is a more long-term solution.
Under a monitoring physician your does will be gradually tapered to ensure that you do not experience withdrawal symptoms that can occur if SUBOXONE use is ended abruptly. Left over pills after treatment is completed should be discarded to ensure they are not taken by anyone else.
7. Where can I find a Doctor who can prescribe SUBOXONE?
A. Doctors who prescribe SUBOXONE need to be certified and they can be found through the SUBOXONE website. Dr. Fortune specializes in addictive medicine and has completed training to be certified to prescribe SUBOXONE (he is also listed on the SUBOXONE website). For more information on the side-effects of suboxone consult Dr. Fortune or ready further on the suboxone website (click here).