What is Suboxone?

1. What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of opiod use disorder. Suboxone is made up of two medications. The first is buprenorphine hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms of opiod dependence. The second medication is called naloxone, which helps guard against misuse.

2. What is the difference between Methadone and Suboxone in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder?

Currently Opioid Use Disorder treatments like methadone can be dispensed only in a limited number of clinics that specialize in addiction treatment. There are not enough addiction treatment centers to help all patients seeking treatment. Suboxone is the first narcotic treatment that became available under the Drug Abuse Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000 for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder that could be prescribed in a doctor’s office that has a special certification from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This change provides more patients the opportunity to access medication assisted treatment.

3. What are some possible side effects of Suboxone?

NOTE: This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Suboxone. Refer to the package insert for a more complete list of side effects. Additionally, please ask for a handout in our office on your first appointment.

The most common reported side effect of Suboxone include:

  • cold or flu-like symptoms
  • headaches
  • sweating
  • sleeping difficulties
  • nausea
  • mood swings.

Like other opioids, Suboxone has been associated with respiratory depression (difficulty breathing) especially when combined with other depressants.

4. Are patients able to take home supplies of these medicines?

Yes. Suboxone is regulated differently by the DEA than methadone. The reason for this is there is a lower potential for abuse. As patients stabilize on their dosage, their doctors can prescribe month long prescriptions to pick up from the pharmacy.

5. How will the FDA know if these drugs are being misused?

FDA has worked with the manufacturer, Reckitt-Benckiser, and other agencies to develop an in-depth risk-management plan. FDA will receive quarterly reports from the comprehensive surveillance program. This should permit early detection of any problems. Regulations can be enacted for tighter control of buprenorphine treatment if it is clear that it is being widely diverted and misused. Washington state prescription monitoring is constantly being checked by our office as well.

6. Who can prescribe Suboxone and other buprenorphine related products?

Since new legislation and MD or other qualified health care provider that has completed 8 hours of training can prescribe these medicines. Dr Greenspahn has been certified for years and has had lots of experience prescribing this medication and tons of success tapering long time users of the medicines off completely.

7. How will Suboxone be taken?

Supplied as sublingual (placed under the tongue to dissolve) tablets or films.

8. Where can patients get Suboxone?

These medications are available at most commercial pharmacies.

9. Where can I go for more information?

Subtex and Suboxone Questions and Answers. 04/01/2016. Retrieved from fda.gov