Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is a long-acting opioid that is used almost exclusively for treatment of opioid use disorders. It has become the first choice in treating this disease. It has many benefits over methadone. It works faster, is considered easier to taper off, is eligible for take home doses sooner than methadone, is safer, can be obtained from any pharmacy in Ontario and has the added benefit of also helping with depression and anxiety conditions. It is used to alleviate opioid withdrawal and minimize cravings. It helps make you feel “normal” again.
Buprenorphine is taken daily as a “sublingual or under the tongue” tablet. A new form of suboxone film that sticks on the inside of the cheeks or under the tongue has also been recently approved in Canada (2021).
Suboxone is usually started when the patient is in mild to moderate withdrawal. Once started, the patient usually starts feeling better within 20 to 60 minutes.
Precipitated withdrawal is a condition where the patient may get severe withdrawal symptoms when starting Suboxone. This is if there are other opioids in their system at the start of initiation with the Suboxone and if they are not truly in mild to moderate withdrawal.
Suboxone consists of two ingredients, namely buprenorphine and naloxone. This medication is used to block opiate receptors and reduce cravings, as well as prevent withdrawal symptoms that come with opioid addiction.
Our medication-based treatment allows our physicians to dispense and prescribe the appropriate dose to help you handle your symptoms better as you go through therapy for your addiction. They will oversee your intake and make sure that it is adjusted to fit your condition.
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