Goals and Expectations When Starting Suboxone
Suboxone is one of the most effective treatments for opioid dependence. It is part of a comprehensive treatment program that will effectively help a patient make the journey from substance addiction to recovery. If you or a loved one has been advised by a healthcare provider to use Suboxone as part of your medication-assisted treatment (MAT), here are some of the things you should know to help you make the most out of your Suboxone journey.
Getting Started with Suboxone
When can you start Suboxone? There are several factors to consider. Your ideal start time will be based on your withdrawal symptoms, as well as the type of opioid drugs and dosage strengths you have been taking. Ideally, you should not have taken opioids for 72 hours before you start taking Suboxone.
Your body needs to be free from opiates and should be in a mild to moderate withdrawal. Taking Suboxone right after using heroin or prescription opioids can result in precipitated withdrawal, which has more severe withdrawal symptoms.
At this point, it’s important that you are upfront and transparent about the opioids and dosages you have been taking because this will become the basis for your provider to determine when to start Suboxone.
How to Take Suboxone
To prevent gastrointestinal symptoms, you’ll want to eat 30 minutes before taking your first dose. Once you’re ready to administer the medication, make sure that there is no food left in your mouth, then place the strip or tablet under your tongue. Wait until it completely dissolves, then rinse your mouth with water. Patience is key, as it will take at least 45 minutes for your body to respond to Suboxone, although you may begin to feel its effects within 30 minutes.
The next step is to observe your symptoms and determine what happens when you first start taking Suboxone. If you don’t feel any side effects but you’re still craving opioids, this might be an indication that you need to be prescribed a higher dosage. On the other hand, if you’re not experiencing cravings but you still have side effects, your doctor may need to adjust your medication to a lower dose.
Having regular check-ins with your healthcare provider like Klinic.com is important during your Suboxone treatment journey. Your doctor will assess your body’s response to the medication and adjustments will be made to the dosage to achieve the right balance.
Side Effects of Suboxone
Just like any other medication, suboxone comes with its own set of side effects. You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, and headaches. These side effects are mild and temporary, and will improve as your body adjusts to the medication. But if these symptoms do not go away over time, your provider can make adjustments to your Suboxone dosage to make you more comfortable.
The 3 Phases of Taking Suboxone
During the induction stage, you’ll receive a medication supply that will last until your next scheduled appointment. At this point, the Suboxone prescription is typically issued short-term to encourage regular check-ins. Be sure to let your provider know if you’re experiencing triggers or cravings, so your doctor can adjust your dosage to find the right prescription strength that works for you.
The stabilization phase is when you no longer experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and also experience little to no side effects. Your provider may also refer you to counseling, therapy, and other supplementary programs to further help you along with your recovery. After you have achieved your treatment goals, your provider will then decrease your Suboxone dose to prepare you for the next phase of treatment.
The maintenance phase is where patients find stability and ongoing support while taking Suboxone. The length of the maintenance phase is different for every patient, and will ultimately depend on the person’s progress. Some people take Suboxone for an extended period of time, while other patients find success in a shorter period. Eventually, the time will come when your dose will be tapered slowly.
The great news is Suboxone is safe to use both long- and short-term, and its effectiveness does not decrease over time. Whether you require a more extended duration of support or a briefer intervention, Suboxone remains a consistent ally in managing your opioid dependence and will adapt to your own unique journey towards sustained recovery.
