Suboxone is the trade name for a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It's primarily used to treat addictions to opiates such as codeine, heroin and morphine by blocking their effects. Suboxone was approved for this purpose in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone can cause withdrawal symptoms when patients begin taking it instead of the opiate to which they are addicted. It can also produce its own withdrawal symptoms if the patient suddenly stops taking Suboxone. The dosage schedule for Suboxone typically calls for taking a high dosage and gradually reducing it to minimize the withdrawal symptoms.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication similar to the opiates that the patient is addicted to, but it produces a less euphoric effect. This can make it easier for patients to reduce their dependency on opiates. Buprenorphine also has the potential for addiction, which makes it especially important that Suboxone be taken according to the doctor's instructions.
Naloxone
Naloxone blocks the effects of opiate drugs when it's injected. It will allow buprenorphine to have its usual effect and reduce the patient's dependency on stronger opiates when Suboxone is taken sublingually as intended. However, the naloxone will block the effects of the buprenorphine if the patient injects Suboxone in an attempt to get high.
Side Effects
Suboxone can cause dizziness, drowsiness and impaired judgment. Users should use caution when operating machinery or other potentially hazardous tasks. They should also avoid alcohol and other depressants while taking Suboxone.
Overdose
Addicts may also inject a large amount of Suboxone and a tranquilizer in an effort to defeat the blocking action of the naloxone. This is extremely dangerous and can lead death by overdosing on Suboxone. Family members should immediately inform emergency room personnel when a patient is addicted to opiates and taking Suboxone.
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