Frequently Asked Questions

While Suboxone is an incredibly effective tool in combating opioid addiction, many people may have questions about it. For example, what is Suboxone, and what are its side effects? Is Suboxone an opiate? What happens if you mix Suboxone and alcohol? Journey Medical of Hendersonville, TN aims to answer those questions so you can feel more comfortable about using Suboxone MAT Prescription Therapy to treat your addiction.

Suboxone is a medication that helps to treat opioid addiction. It has two components: buprenorphine and naloxone. The buprenorphine is the primary active ingredient and suppresses withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is used primarily in order to help prevent an individual becoming dependent on the medication. When taken orally, naloxone has no effect; however, if it’s taken intravenously, it mimics severe withdrawal symptoms. The ability to suppress withdrawal symptoms and the lower likelihood of becoming dependent help to make this medication an effective treatment for opioid addiction.

Now that you know what Suboxone is, it’s important to address its side effects. One of the biggest concerns is signs of an allergic reaction. These include hives, shortness of breath, and the swelling of areas such as the face, tongue, and throat. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.

Shortness of breath may not be related to an allergic reaction, however; one of the other known side effects of Suboxone is difficulty breathing. You’ll want to seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as weak or shallow breathing, weakness, or vertigo. Other potential side effects include headache, back pain, a fast or pounding heartbeat, sleep problems (including insomnia or increased fatigue), and withdrawal symptoms.

After finding out what it is, many Hendersonville, TN residents have a different question: is Suboxone an opiate? While the short answer would be “yes,” it is actually somewhat more complicated than that. An opioid is a natural material that binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. This is what gives individuals the euphoric feelings they get from the drug and is what helps to dull pain. Opiates are synthetic materials made from opioids that have the same effect.

One of the primary components of Suboxone, buprenorphine, is a “partial opioid agonist.” What this means is that, while it is an opioid—thus rendering Suboxone an opiate—it doesn’t have as strong an effect as other opioids do. Buprenorphine also has a sort of ceiling effect; in essence, you cannot get an increased sense of euphoria after a certain point. This is why buprenorphine is the main component of Suboxone: it can give similar effects as other opioids but is safer to use.

Generally speaking, it is inadvisable to mix Suboxone and alcohol. Taking Suboxone and alcohol together will increase the side effects of both—for example, you might have significantly worse lightheadedness or fatigue. In addition, taking the two together can increase your levels of tolerance. This means that you may be required to take higher doses to get the desired effect, and so facilitate further dependence. On that note, if you have other medications you’re taking, it’s important to speak to your doctor about them before starting Suboxone MAT Prescriptive Therapy.

Knowing what Suboxone is and how it works can be a great comfort to many individuals. If you’d like to learn more and live near Hendersonville, TN, then consider contacting Journey Medical today. We’re available to answer any questions you might have.