Austin Suboxone Doctor

How does suboxone treatment work for opioid dependence?

Are you searching for a Suboxone Doctor in Austin TX? Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of opioid addiction. The main ingredients of suboxone are buprenorphine and naltrexone.

Suboxone is available by doctor prescription in the form of oral film and tablets. This film/tablet dissolves in the mouth when placed under the tongue or between the gums and cheeks.

Suboxone comes under the category of schedule three (III) prescription. FDA-approved suboxone doctors in Austin Texas can only prescribe this treatment for opioid-dependent people.

 

Symptoms of Opioid Dependence

A person is opioid-dependent when he has the following symptoms:

• Unable to quit his addiction despite facing difficulties in his life.
• Lost interest in the events that used to excites him.
• Spend his maximum time in using/seeking opioid drugs.
• Shows withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shaking, body aches, anxiety) if kept away from drugs.
• Keep on increasing the use of drugs to achieve the same effects.
• Unable to reduce opioid consumption.

Suboxone Role in The Opioid Treatment

Opioid drives its effect from being converted in the brain to morphine which then binds to and activates the opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are specialized proteins located on the surfaces of the cell. Opioid binds with these receptors and triggers the effect in the cells. These receptors are of three types which are Delta, MU, and Kappa receptors. Opioids primarily bind to MU receptors and produce their effect. Activation of these receptors causes pain-killing effect euphoria, sedation,  respiratory depression, and dependence. Euphoric effect and dependence in particular lead to addiction.

People who use opioids develop a dependency on them. If they abruptly stop the use of it, they can face uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can increase the person’s risk of restarting opioids and overdosing, which can be fatal. Addiction treatment with Suboxone can reduce the withdrawal and lower the risk of overdose.

How Suboxone Treatment in Austin Works

As we stated earlier, suboxone contains two ingredients: Buprenorphine and naloxone. Both are unique in their functions. If you are suffering from addiction from one or more drugs, then contacting a rehab in Austin for substance abuse may be the best option. The can use a range of methods to assist you in recovery.

Buprenorphine’s role:

The buprenorphine in Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist. It has the same effect as an opioid drug. Buprenorphine produces euphoria and analgesic effects by partially binding with MU receptors and completely with kappa receptors. As it is a partial opioid, these effects are felt lower than a full opioid agonist.

Due to this unique and complex action mechanism, Buprenorphine helps in reducing withdrawal symptoms and drug craving.

Naloxone’s role:

Naloxone is used in suboxone to discourage the misuse of medication. It is known as an opioid antagonist.

If it is taken in the form of injection, It can cause severe withdrawal symptoms by blocking the effects of opioids and initiating an immediate withdrawal. However, it doesn’t have any other effect if taken in the form of film or tablet.

Phases of Treatment:

There are three phases of treatment with suboxone:

• Induction phase
• Stabilization phase
• Maintenance phase

Induction phase:

It is the initial phase of suboxone treatment. At the induction phase, suboxone is only prescribed to the patients dependent on short-acting drugs, i.e., codeine, oxycodone, heroin, or morphine. These phases begin when the person stops the use of opioid drugs. Under the supervision of physicians, suboxone is used to avoid withdrawal symptoms of drugs. The first dosage of suboxone is usually taken after at least six hours of opioid use.

Stabilization phase:

This phase begins once the patient has no withdrawal symptoms and they are no longer abusing drugs. In this, physicians try to adjust the dose of suboxone as they aim to use a minimum quantity of suboxone.

The main objective of this phase is to stabilize the patient by reducing the withdrawal symptoms.

Maintenance phase:

The maintenance phase is the third and longest stage of suboxone treatment. Suboxone is used at a stable dosage for an extended period. The length of this phase depends upon the severity of the problems. It can last from a few weeks or months to even years.

 

Suboxone Dosage:

Austin Suboxone doctors can only prescribe suboxone dosage. It should not be taken without doctors’ guidance. The quantity of this depends on several factors. Some important factors are

• Opioid addiction: the dosage of suboxone differs on how long and how much dependence is there on the opioid.
• Stages of treatment: At every stage, the dosage differs.
• Medical condition: the dosage of suboxone varies if the patient has any other medical disease, i.e., sugar, blood pressure.

Generally, suboxone doctors suggest low dosage, and with time, they adjust the proper dosage, which works for the patient.

Suboxone overdose:

While treating opioid addiction, Suboxone is used in controlled quantity. Taking too much dose of suboxone is fatal. It can cause serious side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, sweating, burning tongue, comma, or even death.

In a suboxone overdose situation, seek emergency medical attention.

Suboxone abuse:

Suboxone is a schedule three (III) prescription. It means that it should be used only under physicians’ guidance; as it can cause the same effect as opioid, it has the potential to misuse and abuse. The abusive use of it can lead to physical and psychological dependence, drug-seeking behavior, and drug craving.

Suboxone abuse can cause overdose and severe side effects. Even it may lead to death if misused with other opioids, alcohol, and other drugs.

Suboxone withdrawal:

As we discussed earlier, suboxone consists of buprenorphine which has the same effect as opioid drugs. So, long-term use of it can cause addiction. If suboxone is stopped abruptly, it can cause withdrawal symptoms, i.e., nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, drug craving, headache. Etc. To prevent this withdrawal of suboxone, doctors suggest reducing the use of suboxone in a controlled manner. In some cases, it can take several months to get suboxone-free.

Side effects of suboxone:

Like the other medicines, suboxone has its side effects; the nature of these side effects varies from person to person. They can be mild or severe. The most common side effects are:

• Headache, nausea, constipation, anxiety, depression, sweating, weakness, back pain, fatigue, depression, and isonomia. Some of these symptoms are temporary and go away after some days.
• Although serious side effects are less likely to happen, they can. These severe side effects include breathing problems, severe allergic reactions, brain damage, and coma.
• When suboxone is used for the long term, it can cause several long-lasting side effects. These effects include hormonal problems such as adrenaline insufficiency, liver damage, abuse, and dependence.

Warnings:

Suboxone treatment may not be suitable for people with serious health issues.

• Liver disease: Liver disease patients may face more complex withdrawal symptoms while taking suboxone. In some cases, they may not be able to undergo this treatment.
• Lungs disease: The person with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic pulmonary obstruction is at high risk of using suboxone. It can cause severe breathing problems.
• Head injury: People with head and brain injuries are sensitive to suboxone. It can cause more pressure on brain fluid and the spinal cord, which may lead to brain damage and loss of consciousness.
• Pregnancy: Suboxone should not be taken during pregnancy. Recent studies show that it can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in the newborn child. The significant symptoms can be diarrhea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, excessive crying, irritability.

Bottom line:

Suboxone is the combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone that is used for the treatment of short-acting opioid dependence. Suboxone doctors only prescribe this treatment, and the patient is kept under observation in the initial stages due to its likely side effects. Although it has fewer chances to abuse than other opioid medications (methadone), potential still exists.

FAQs

Is suboxone a controlled drug?

Yes, Suboxone is a controlled drug. It comes under the schedule 3 drugs schedule three (III) prescription. It means that even if it is accepted for medical use, it can cause addiction and abuse. That’s the reason FDA-approved physicians can only prescribe it.

How much time does suboxone take to show the effects?

Suboxone does not take too much time; It usually begins to show its effects within 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens if I overdose?

The overdose of suboxone can cause side effects, i.e., drowsiness, slow breathing, and pinpoint pupils. It can be fatal. In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What should I avoid while taking suboxone?

While taking suboxone dosage, avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause serious side effects in some cases even leads to death. The other thing you should avoid is to driving or operating any machine.

Will I need to use suboxone for the long term?

Yes, If you are taking suboxone to avoid opioid dependence, it will be a long-term treatment. But the good thing is that you can enjoy everyday life.

If you are in need of a Suboxone Doctor  in Austin TX for you or a loved one, contact our helpline and we will connect you to a medical professional.