Suboxone/Subutex (Buprenorphine) Facts

What is Suboxone?

Used to treat users with opioid addiction, Suboxone/Subutex (Buprenorphine) is an addicting opiate drug. Approved in October 2002 by the FDA, the high-dose sublingual pill Suboxone/Subutex has also recently been introduced in European countries as treatment for chronic pain. It can be used both for chronic cancer pain as well as chronic non-malignant pain.

Why is Suboxone prescribed?

Many doctors prescribe this drug for withdrawal and/or addiction without warning the patient about the drug’s addictive nature, and the fact they are trading one opiate for another. Some Anesthesia Detox Facilities (2 facilities at this time) give it to patients for up to 6-12 weeks after the detox procedure, and approximately 99% of in-patient rehab centers are using it. These patients do well while taking the drug, but after being discharged and within 3 days, patients typically suffer from withdrawal and seek help for Suboxone/Subutex addiction.

What are some Suboxone side effects?

Suboxone side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness
• Constipation
• Headache, nausea, or vomiting
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Heavy feeling in the chest
• Mental and mood changes
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, vision changes
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
• Loss of libido
• Frequent night time urination
• Anxiety
• Depression/sadness
• Lack of interest (no “zest” for life)
• Personality changes

What are symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal?

Symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and cause patients to revert back to their original drug use. Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can also last up to 2-5 weeks.

• Severe anxiety, thoughts of suicide, malaise & severe depression
• Diarrhea & sweating
• Cramp-like pains in the muscles, leg kicking, convulsions
• Severe and long lasting sleep difficulties (insomnia)
• Goose bump skin (cold turkey)
• Cramps, abdominal pain
• Dehydration & fever

How do I choose a Suboxone detox program?

Talking to a trained detox or medical professional is the right first step in choosing the appropriate program. Call the Rapid Drug Detox Center at 1-866-399-2967 or contact us if you’d like to learn more.