Buprenorphine News

Latest news and information about Buprenorphine

Archive for October, 2009

Don’t be afraid, get help!

October 31st, 2009 by admin

Do you know what suboxone treatment centers are? Suboxone is used for treatment for detox from other drugs. Suboxone is not a complete opiate, it is a partial opiate. It seems to be similar to the methadone treatment for heroin addiction. The suboxone treatment is used at a low dose to wean an addict off of the harder opiate or opiates for which he/she seeks treatment.

Treatment centers for suboxone withdrawal include a slow, controlled withdrawal with minimal discomfort. This detox may not be a permanent cure unless you participate in the additional therapy which consists of treating the psychological addiction. Many facilities also have physical rehab for suboxone addiction because the opiate addictions really can destroy the physical as well as the mental abilities. As part of the treatment, you are expected to participate in the nutritional part and the physical fitness part of the detox program. This is considered the whole treatment of the patient. Treatment centers also like to get the family involved, because addicts need support and encouragement. It is not an easy thing to maintain sobriety from drugs or any addiction.

Although, all treatment centers have their own way of doing things, one of the most popular and famous ones have a three phase, thirty day program for each phase. The first phase is detox and then individual and group therapy. The second phase is extended care, which entitles the patient to leave the facility for a day or weekend to visit family and sober activities away from the facility. The third phase is going to a sober group home, where you will participate in chores and responsibilities of the group home. During this phase of treatment, the patient will report to a house manager. This phase prepares you to return to a sober society. Sometime patients skip the last phase.

If one thinks they may have a problem with buprenorphine or suboxone, there is cost- free support from PCSS-B (Physician clinical support system for Buprenorphine). These doctors and medical personnel are trained to provide support and they provide telephone calls, emails and online support at no cost.

In today’s society, there are more and more addictions, be it food, alcohol, sex or drugs. Don’t be ashamed! The first step is to admit you have a problem, and then get help. You will not regret it. Good luck.

We have a directory of doctors and treatment centers to help you on your way to recovery.

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Suboxone Rehab

October 30th, 2009 by admin

Suboxone is a drug that is used for rehab treatment for individuals that are addicted to pain medication or opiates. Those wishing to use the Suboxone medication rehab plan will first need to make an appointment to be seen by the physician in the rehab center that uses this method. The individual will be checked for physical ailments that may prohibit them from using Suboxone as a treatment. If cleared by the physician the Suboxone rehab treatment will be started.

Many clinics and rehab centers using Suboxone require the individual to be near the clinic in the first two or three days of treatment to assure there are no unwanted side effects of beginning the medication. Many rehab clinics using Suboxone will offer the treatment from thirty days to several years. During this time the patient will very gradually have the dose of Suboxone lessened. This is done very gradually to allow the patient to adjust slowly. If withdrawal symptoms are present, other medications may be used to alleviate those symptoms.

Most clinics provide Suboxone on an outpatient basis as long as the patient keeps in touch with counselors and the physician on a regular basis. They normally provide counseling sessions as part of the rehabilitation treatment. The subject of relapse is addressed on a regular basis and the patient is prompted to call the clinic as soon as possible if relapse occurs.

Before beginning treatment with Suboxone the patient/client will be asked many questions not only about their physical health but also about all past drug addictions and emotional problems. It is very important that the patient be honest in order to receive the best care possible using Suboxone as a treatment for opiate addictions.

Some of the benefits of using Suboxone as a treatment for opiate addictions are that the patient will be able to continue working and retain privacy while being treated. In the beginning of the treatment daily visits with the doctor or nurse may be necessary. The patient may also be asked to give urine samples that will check for any medications not prescribed in their system.

Find a suboxone doctor or treatment center.

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Suboxone Treatment

October 24th, 2009 by admin

The Food and Drug Administration approved Suboxone in October of 2002 for use in the treatment of opioid addiction. The generic name for Suboxone is buprenorphine and naloxone; it is a combined form of these two generic drugs.

Naloxone is used to block the effect of opioids. Buprenorphine is similar in make up as opioids (it works on the same receptors in the brain) but it does not produce a euphoric “high” effect. This makes it easier to stop taking. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist; it stimulates opioid receptors but does not produce the same effects as an opioid would.

This drug is taken sublingually (dissolved under the tongue). Taken properly it can reduce opioid use, help people stay in drug rehab treatment, and depress the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Suboxone must be prescribed by a doctor who will take a full medical and social history before giving it to you. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have lung, kidney, gallbladder, adrenal gland, thyroid, or prostate problems. Also, be sure to tell him if you have a history of a head injury, mental problems of any type, hallucinations or alcoholism. You may still be able to take Suboxone for your opioid addiction you just may require a dosage adjustment or extra monitoring. You should not under any circumstances take it if you are or think you may be pregnant. Do not take it if you are currently breastfeeding also.

Suboxone can cause a dependency just like an opioid can. If you are not weaned off of it properly, (too quickly for example) you will experience the same withdrawal symptoms as you would from opioid withdrawal. There for do not suddenly stop taking it, speak to your doctor about how to gradually reduce the dose.

Suboxone can cause some serious side effects but they are very rare. If you notice any that you are experiencing dizziness, confusing, slowed breathing, allergic symptoms (itch, swelling of lips, tongue face or hives), or liver problem symptoms (yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, light stools, nausea, stomach pain or decreased appetite) contact your doctor immediately.

Suboxone can cause some other mild side effects that are simpler to deal with such as headache, nausea, sweating, constipation or problems sleeping. Speak to your doctor if any of these become bothersome. He may recommend some over the counter medications to treat them.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Make sure you tell any medical professionals treating you for any reason you are on the drug and have a history of opioid dependence.

Some drugs may interact with Suboxone adversely. Be sure to speak to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any other drugs with your Suboxone.

Further information is available from your doctor and pharmacist. There is also a patient resource kit available from the manufacturer of the drug that contains educational material and more information about opioid dependence/addiction and treatment of it.

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