Suboxone is the brand name of a drug that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It comes in a dissolvable film or tablet form. Suboxone is used to help drug addicts. Learn more about this valuable medication from Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
Suboxone was approved by the FDA in 2002 to help treat opioid addiction.
It’s a common misconception that Suboxone is used for pain. A Suboxone program is only supposed to help addicts get off opioids by helping to ease withdrawal symptoms without getting high. Getting high causes cravings for more drugs.
Although addicts are less likely to become addicted to Suboxone than methadone, the possibility still exists. This is why it’s important for patients to take Suboxone exactly as prescribed, and follow up frequently with their doctors about how the treatment is going. An overdose of Suboxolone can be fatal, although it’s far more difficult to overdose on Suboxone than on opiates like fentanyl.
Suboxone is not a magic bullet for treating opioid addiction. It’s intended to be just one part of a whole treatment plan that includes therapy and other medical care. Addicts also need friends and family to help support them in their recovery. Helping to reduce painful withdrawal symptoms can help reduce an addict’s need to get more drugs.
