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Suboxone FAQ

How does Buprenorphine work in the brain?

Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, with three main effects; reduced respiration, euphoria, decreased pain. The more opioids ingested the more of an effect. The process of opioids binding to the opioid receptors can be thought of as a mechanical union, the better the fit the more the opioid effect. Buprenorphine is different. It too binds to the receptors, however, without a perfect fit. As a result the Buprenorphine tends to occupy the receptors without all of the opioid… Read More »How does Buprenorphine work in the brain?

Can Suboxone Cause an Overdose?

Although most people who take Suboxone as directed by their physician are not likely to overdose on this long-acting partial opioid agonist, mixing the drug with other substances – especially other opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines – increases its bioavailability to the opioid receptors. This amplifies intoxication as well as the risk of overdose. Signs of an overdose on Suboxone include: Slowed heart rate Tension, anxiety, or irritability Loss of physical coordination Sleepiness Trouble concentrating Nausea Seizures Stomach pain Depressed breathing… Read More »Can Suboxone Cause an Overdose?

What is the difference between Suboxone and Subutex?

what is the difference between Suboxone and Subutex? Both are brand-name prescription drugs used to treat opioid dependence. Both can prevent withdrawal symptoms to increase the chances of successful addiction treatment. Both Suboxone and Subutex also have the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. The key difference between Suboxone and Subutex is that Suboxone has naloxone. Naloxone helps prevent abuse of Suboxone by blocking opioid effects if someone tries to inject or snort it to get high.… Read More »What is the difference between Suboxone and Subutex?

What happens when you take Suboxone too soon?

Taking Suboxone Too Soon For people who have experienced taking Suboxone too soon, they know how uncomfortable it can be. Taking Suboxone too early can cause something called precipitated withdrawal. Precipitated withdrawal is a rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms. The majority of opioids are classified as full agonists. This means they activate opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist. It activates the same receptors but not at the same level as full agonists. When to… Read More »What happens when you take Suboxone too soon?

Alcohol & Suboxone: What happens when you mix them?

Mixing Suboxone, an opioid agonist, and alcohol can have severe — and even fatal — consequences. To understand why taking these two substances together is dangerous, it’s important to know how each affects your body. Suboxone (naloxone and buprenorphine) is an opioid agonist that binds to the same receptors in your brain as opiates, increasing its abuse potential. Alcohol (ethanol) is a central nervous system depressant that affects your brain chemistry. Taken together, especially intravenously, Suboxone and alcohol intensify each… Read More »Alcohol & Suboxone: What happens when you mix them?

How long does Suboxone stay in your system?

Quick Overview Suboxone can remain in your system for up to two weeks after taking the last dose. Suboxone is comprised of buprenorphine and Naloxone; each ingredient has its own half-life. Half-life refers to the amount of time it takes for half of a single dose of a drug to leave your body. Buprenorphine has a 37-hour half-life. Buprenorphine is metabolized into norbuprenorphine, which can remain in your system for up to nine days. Naloxone has a half-life of 30-60 minutes. Suboxone… Read More »How long does Suboxone stay in your system?