Suboxone Uses & Actions

Pain medications that contain narcotics/opoids such as oxycodone, morphine or hydrocodone are highly addictive. As a result, treatment methods have been developed to get addicts off these medications, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin or opium. Suboxone is one of these treatments. Suboxone is a combination of two medications, buprenorphine and naloxone that are used to treat the effects of opioid addiction. Often, they are given separately, then together once the addiction begins to dissipate.

Uses

• This combination drug is meant to deal with the two elements of addiction. The buprenorphine is usually given first. This is meant to stop the painful withdrawal symptoms such as depression, dizziness and nausea. The naloxone is then given in order to negate the effects of any narcotics taken afterward. Often, the drugs are given separately, then the Suboxone as a combination is given after several days or weeks of taking the drugs separately. The combination Suboxone is designed to be similar to opioids like oxycodone or morphine in order to "trick" the body into believing that it is still taking the drug, but without the effects of the drugs themselves. One can then become a "functional" addict. After a time, Suboxone is slowly tapered off, leaving the patient drug-free. Even if the addict wants to go back to narcotics, taking this drug (or drug combination) will prevent the opioids from having their desired, pleasant effect. Generally speaking, this drug is normally used in conjunction with full rehabilitation treatment to make sure the drug is being taken regularly and the patient is slowly coming off the addiction.

Effects

• The general combination effect of Suboxone is both to control the physical and mental effects of withdrawal as well as to block the effects of opioids taken once the patient is on Suboxone. The narcotics, in other words, will no longer have any effect on the pleasure centers of the brain, the very center of addiction and the prime cause of such narcotic addiction. The drug itself causes dependence, but it is a harmless dependence that does not involve any kind of intoxication. Hence, Suboxone can be slowly tapered.

Side Effects

• The side effects of Suboxone are drowsiness, and as a result, alcohol or other "downers" should not be taken while on Suboxone. Other effects are headache, stomach ache, constipation and sweating. Like all similar chemicals, Suboxone is hard on the liver, and therefore, those with liver problems cannot take the drug in its normal doses.