Suboxone

Buprenorphine or Buprenorphine-Naloxone are utilized for opioid dependence. They are safe medications of treatment, short or long-term. They help people live normal lives free of addiction or chronic pain.

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Opioid Dependence

Heavy and/or long-term use of opioids results in significant physiologic dependence, to the point of affecting hormone levels or blood pressure, and even the neural pathways in the brain related to behavior. It is a long-term, though not necessarily permanent, condition that requires time in recovery.

Buprenorphine binds stronger but activates weaker than full opioid agonists. The medication allows your body to recovery over months and years. However it does maintain some level of dependence, though far less than previous opioid use.

Unfortunately there is no “detoxing” from opioids or buprenorphine. The problem is dependence, the underlying alteration of cell surface receptors, the production of natural opioids, and even the microenvironment of organs such as adrenal glands. The only real path to recovery is time.

Followup

As with all MAT programs, we titrate new patients with a few weeks of medication to determine optimal daily dose. If we can verify a prior month’s order from another program we’ll waive the titration period. We then aim for regular monthly followup. Buprenorphine works best when used regularly. Variable daily use leads to physical and psychological stress. Naturally, steady use leads to steady followup, with consideration for life circumstances.

Treatment Timelines

How long do people need to be on suboxone? It depends on the person and their history.

Unlike full opioid agonists, there are no known long-term health consequences to buprenorphine treatment, beyond its mild side effects (some people experience constipation, for instance). Medical studies show that risk of relapse is highest in the first 12 months of treatment and that patients do best on the medication for prolonged periods of time.

Some patients are such high risk, that we’re never comfortable telling them to be off medication. If patients wish to wean down their medication, we advise doing so slowly and safely. Please talk to us before trying to do so on your own.

Dental Concerns            

Buprenorphine, regardless of which product, can be tough on the enamel of the teeth. You should avoid eating or drinking anything after sublingually dissolving your medication, as this can wash out the medication from the tissue under the tongue while it is slowly absorbing into the blood stream. After 30 minutes you should brush your teeth.