Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, according to Drugs.com. Opioids refer to drugs such as morphine, heroin and codeine.
Features
Suboxone is a combination of the opioid medication buprenorphine and the opioid naloxone, according to Drugs.com. Buprenorphine alone works like opioids to produce a euphoric state. Naloxone alone blocks these opioid effects and may produce withdrawal symptoms. These medications combined effectively treat opiate addiction and prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Dosage
MedlinePlus states that Suboxone is available as tablets that are taken under your tongue, daily. The tablets may take two to 10 minutes to dissolve. It is important to take these medications as your doctor prescribes.
Warning
You should not take Suboxone if your doctor didn't prescribe it for you. Drugs.com also states that you should tell your doctor if you suffer from such conditions as liver, kidney or gallbladder disease. These conditions may make Suboxone less effective.
Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Suboxone's common side effects include stomach pains, headaches, vomiting, constipation, sweating and trouble sleeping. Its serious side effects include difficulty breathing, poor appetite and skin rash.
Overdose
Drugs.com states that symptoms of Suboxone overdose include seizures, dizziness, trouble breathing and weakness. In severe cases, Suboxone can cause loss of consciousness, confusion and even coma. Call 911 if you overdose on Suboxone.
