For people struggling with addiction, many different treatment options are available. One of the most popular options in recent years has been Suboxone treatment. Suboxone is a medication used to help people wean themselves off other, more dangerous drugs. While it can be effective in assisting people to achieve sobriety, there are also several side effects associated with Suboxone use.
At MD M.A.T.T., our team of medical professionals has extensive experience providing Suboxone treatment to people suffering from addiction. Along with carefully monitoring dosage levels and side effects, we also work closely with each person to help them meet their unique treatment goals. Reach out to us today at 410.505.7434 to learn more about our Suboxone treatment clinic and how we can help you achieve sobriety.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as heroin or Oxycontin, but to a much weaker degree. Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist which blocks the receptors that opioids activate.
When taken as prescribed by a doctor, Suboxone is safe and can be an effective addiction treatment. However, because it contains buprenorphine, an opioid, there is potential for abuse. In high enough doses, buprenorphine can cause the same effects as other opioids, including euphoria and respiratory depression. For this reason, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Suboxone carefully.
Physical Side Effects of Suboxone
There can be some physical side effects of Suboxone that are important to recognize and be aware of. Some physical side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
These side effects are typically mild and can be managed by taking the medication as instructed by your doctor. However, if you experience any side effects that seem severe or persistent, it’s vital to talk to your doctor right away.
Mental Side Effects of Suboxone
As with any medication, it’s possible to experience side effects that affect your mental health while taking Suboxone. Some common mental side effects include:
- Anxiety or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression or mood swings
- Changes in sleep patterns
Again, these side effects are typically mild and should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these side effects persist or become severe, talk to your doctor immediately and find ways to manage them.
Benefits of Suboxone for Addiction Treatment
Despite the potential side effects of taking Suboxone, there are also many benefits to using this medication as part of your addiction treatment plan. Because it’s a partial opioid agonist rather than a full agonist like other opioids like heroin, it has a much lower risk of misuse and overdose. Additionally, because it contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist, if someone does misuse Suboxone by injecting it instead of taking it orally as prescribed, the naloxone will block the euphoric effects of the buprenorphine and cause them to experience withdrawal symptoms rather.
Some other benefits of Suboxone treatment include:
- Reduced cravings for other addictive substances
- Helping to stabilize mood and emotions
- Facilitating the development of healthy coping skills
- Reducing instances of relapse
Studies have shown that people who use Suboxone during detox are more likely to stay in treatment and less likely to relapse than people who detox without medication assistance.
If you think you might benefit from using Suboxone as part of your addiction treatment plan, talk to a qualified addiction specialist at MD M.A.T.T. to learn more about your options and get started on recovery.
Learn More About Suboxone at MD M.A.T.T.
Suboxone has helped countless people struggling with addiction to get their lives back on track and stay sober. At MD M.A.T.T., we offer patients the option of Suboxone treatment as part of our comprehensive addiction care program. Our experienced and compassionate staff will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that best meets your needs so that you can get on the path to recovery as quickly and safely as possible. Our Suboxone treatment clinic provides a secure and confidential environment so that you can focus on your recovery without the distractions and stress of outside commitments. Contact us at 410.505.7434 to learn more about Suboxone treatment at MD M.A.T.T.
