What Is Suboxone^®?

The primary active ingredient in Suboxone^® is Buprenorphine.  Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, while methadone is a full opioid agonist.  An opioid agonist is a medication that stimulates activity at opioid receptor sites in the brain.  Suboxone^® also includes Naloxone, a medication that can block other opioid like-drugs from binding to a receptor.  This combination of medications, at the proper dose level, provides many hours of freedom from opioid withdrawal symptoms, opioid cravings, and allows the patient to resume regular daily activities without the worry of drug related difficulties.

How Do I Take Suboxone^®?

Suboxone^® is in pill form that must be dissolved under your tongue.  This is called sublingual administration.  If Suboxone^® is simply swallowed as most medication pills, it will not properly dissolve.  Dissolving Suboxone^® under the tongue allows the medication to enter the bloodstream more effectively.

Naloxone is the second ingredient in Suboxone^®.  When Suboxone^® is properly dissolved under the tongue, very little naloxone enters the bloodstream.  However, if the Suboxone^® is dissolved and injected, or ingested as most pills, that naloxone may result in the Suboxone^® not effectively working and withdrawal symptoms may occur.

What Is The Right Dose Of Suboxone^®?

The right dose of Suboxone^® is dependent upon the individual person.  When you start treatment, the induction dose will be low, and gradually built up over three days.  There is a maximum dose of Suboxone^®, though.  Studies have shown that most individuals receive full therapeutic benefit from Suboxone^® at dose levels from 16 to 24 milligrams per day.

Does Suboxone^® Show In A Drug Screen?

Any medication will be identified in a drug screen, if it is a tested drug.  Most drug screens do not test for Buprenorphine medications.  However, if it is identified in your drug screen, our Medical Director will prepare the necessary documentation to verify the Suboxone^® as a medically monitored and approved medication.

What If I'm Pregnant?

Suboxone^® and all other Buprenorphine medications are not approved for use by pregnant women.  During treatment, women who are capable of bearing children are required to participate in a monthly pregnancy test.  This is a urine dipstick type test.  If you become pregnant, you will be transitioned to an equivalent dose of methadone, or referred for other medical care.

Is Suboxone^® Easier Than Methadone To Withdraw From?

Because Suboxone^® is a partial opioid receptor agonist, patients have reported that withdrawing from this medication is easier than withdrawing from other opioids.  The success of medication withdrawal, of course, is also dependent upon your personal recovery plan, and commitment to life long drug recovery behaviors.

Can I Switch From Methadone To Suboxone^®?

Yes, but you must first make the effort at reducing your daily methadone level to 30 mg.  Once you reach the 30 mg dose, you will need to remain at that dose level for a few days, and not supplement with other opioids. For successful transition to Suboxone^®, you will need to be in mild to moderate withdrawal when you received your first dose of Suboxone^®.  If you have higher methadone or other opioid levels in your system, induction of Suboxone^® may cause withdrawal to occur more rapidly and intensely.

How Quickly Can I Get A 30-Day Prescription?

We offer Suboxone^® through a licensed drug treatment program.  Patients are expected to comply with all treatment requirements to receive take home medications.  Federal regulations direct take home medication levels.  With compliance, monthly Suboxone^® medication orders are possible. 

How Long Will I Need To Stay In Treatment?

Treatment does not have any specific timeframes.  There have been people who remain in treatment and withdraw from Suboxone^® in a short time period.  However, the chance of relapsing after a short-term treatment effort may be higher than long-term treatment because you may not have developed sufficient recovery skills to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

How Much Does Suboxone^® Cost?

Suboxone^® costs are higher than methadone maintenance, and may be dependent upon your daily medication dose.  Suboxone^® may be covered by your insurance.  Our counselors will discuss treatment fees with you in person.  As with any medication program, you should verify with your insurance company if the cost of treatment is covered.