How to Begin Suboxone Treatment

Suboxone is a prescription medication approved for treating opioid dependence. Its active ingredient is buprenorphine. It also contains naloxone to prevent abuse of the medication. If a patient injects Suboxone rather than taking it orally, it will cause swift withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone works by attaching to opioid receptors that are already in a mild state of withdrawal from opioids. It reduces cravings and blocks withdrawal symptoms. Possible side effects of Suboxone include stomach pain, nausea, headaches, insomnia, or constipation. Call your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the facial area and difficulty breathing.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor Suboxone prescription

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Instructions

• 1

  Find a doctor who is authorized to dispense Suboxone. Suboxone has stricter legal requirements than other prescription drugs. The official Suboxone website has a tool to help you find a doctor within your zip code (see Reference).

• 2

  Inform your doctor about your medical history. It's important to give your doctor accurate information, especially about your opioid experience. Your doctor will also explain how Suboxone works and determine a starting dosage (your dosage will be adjusted as needed).

• 3

  Begin withdrawing from your opioid so you will already be experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms before taking Suboxone. This is necessary because if you take Suboxone before experiencing withdrawal symptoms, then taking Suboxone will actually cause Suboxone symptoms and you will feel worse.

• 4

  Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. You must take Suboxone under your tongue, letting it dissolve. Do not swallow it because you'll dilute the full effect.

• 5

  Attend your counseling sessions with your doctor. They may be individual or group therapy sessions, or a combination. At your therapy sessions, your doctor will also adjust your dose if needed and write new prescriptions.