Suboxone

Brand Names

Suboxone

What is Suboxone

Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) is an opioid narcotic used for treating opioid dependence that may include a dependence on opioid medications such as morphine or oxycodone. It can be of two forms: a tablet and a capsule that are dissolved under the tongue (a sublingual tablet and a sublingual capsule).

Side effects of Suboxone

Suboxone can be the cause of some side effects that include:

• Headaches
• Pain
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Flushing or hot flashes
• Vomiting
• General feeling of weakness

Suboxone may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms, particularly if used with other opioids.

Indication

Suboxone is used for treating opioid dependence in adults. This combination medication is supposed to help prevent drug abuse via injection. It can replace other opioid medications, including both legal medications (like morphine) and illegal drugs (like heroin). Suboxone can be used for the long-term maintenance of opioid dependence to help people get out of opioids. Suboxone is approved only for adults, as its effects have not been properly studied in children or adolescents.

Precautions

You should not take this medicine if you have or have had:

• Breathing problems, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or any other lung diseases
• Heart disease of any kind including an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and a slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• A head injury, brain tumor or increased pressure around the brain
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Urinating problems
• Low blood pressure (hypertension)
• Gallbladder or pancreas disease
• Liver disease such as cirrhosis, liver failure or hepatitis
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any allergies, including to foods, dyes or preservatives

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, try not to take this medicine. Suboxone is a narcotic medication with a significant potential for abuse. Do not take it more frequently or at a higher dose than prescribed. If you feel some problems with suboxone abuse, please seek help from a doctor.

Dosage forms

Suboxone is taken sublingually as a single daily dose in the range of 12 to 16 mg a day. When taken sublingually, suboxone have some clinical effects and they are interchangeable. There are no thorough studies using suboxone as initial medication.