Opioid antagonist medications are used to block the effects of opioids and addiction. These medications are known to help manage withdrawal symptoms and mitigate the effects of opioids. One of the popularly used medications of this category is Suboxone, which is known to help reduce cravings, in addition to tackling withdrawal symptoms among individuals with opioid dependence. A common question on the minds of patients and caregivers is – how long should you wait before taking Suboxone? Following subsections offer in-depth information about the medication and the time between last opioid intake and the medication.
What is Suboxone and its mechanism of action?
A prescription medication, Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. The two active ingredients, work together to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but produces a weaker effect. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same level of euphoria or respiratory depression as full opioid agonists. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which blocks the effects of opioids and helps to prevent misuse or abuse of the medication. When taken as directed, suboxone can help people with opioid addiction to stabilize and achieve quick recovery.
What is the right method of intake of Suboxone?
The medication comes in the form of a film or tablet that is placed under the tongue, which will then dissolve and deliver the active ingredients. Here are some of the best practices to be followed while taking suboxone:
- Place the film or tablet under the tongue, against the floor of the mouth, and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not chew, swallow, or move the medication around in the mouth.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 15 minutes before or after taking suboxone, as this may interfere with the absorption of the medication.
- Take suboxone at the same time each day, or as directed by a healthcare provider.
- Do not stop taking suboxone or change the dose without first consulting a healthcare provider.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule.
Presently available medications to treat opioid addiction
- Three main types of medications are presently popular and used frequently to treat opioid addiction. This includes the following :
- #1 Methadone: This is a long-acting opioid agonist that can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is typically taken once a day under medical supervision.
- #2 Buprenorphine: This is a partial opioid agonist that can also help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It is available as a daily sublingual tablet or as a monthly injection.
- #3 Naltrexone: This is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. It is available as a daily pill or as a monthly injection.
- All of these medications are to be used only when part of an overall plan or strategy. For instance, it is to be used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the most effective outcomes.
What are the commonly reported side effects of Suboxone?
All medications come with the possibility of undesirable outcomes and Suboxone is no exception. Some of the reported side effects include the following.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Respiratory depression
- Allergic reaction
- Hepatitis
In addition to the above, patients may also experience withdrawal symptoms if the medication is misused or abruptly stopped.
Drug interactions of Suboxone
Suboxone may also interact with other medications and substances, and this could lead to possible adverse effects. Some of the medications that may interact with suboxone include:
- Opioids or medications that impact the central nervous system – benzodiazepines, sedatives, or muscle relaxants
- Medications with a mechanism of action that afflicts the liver – rifampin or certain antifungal medications
- Antidepressants of particular categories – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Medications intended to lower blood pressure – diuretics or beta blockers
All individuals planning to use Suboxone are to inform respective healthcare providers about other medications and substances in use. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Incorrect use of suboxone or use with other substances can increase the risk of overdose or expose the individual to serious side effects.
Efficacy of Suboxone
Suboxone has been proven to be an effective treatment for opioid addiction when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and behavioral therapies. Studies have demonstrated that suboxone can help reduce opioid use, improve treatment retention, and decrease the risk of relapse. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of suboxone may vary depending on a number of factors. This includes the severity of the addiction, the dosage and duration of treatment, and the manner in which the treatment plan is followed.
How long should you wait before taking Suboxone?
Before taking Suboxone, a person needs to be in a state of mild to moderate opioid withdrawal. This is mainly because intake of Suboxone too soon after using an opioid agonist, such as heroin or prescription pain medications, can trigger acute withdrawal symptoms.
The amount of time a person needs to wait before taking Suboxone can vary depending on the type and amount of opioids that were used, as well as the individual’s metabolism and overall health. In general, healthcare providers may recommend waiting at least 12-24 hours after the last use of a short-acting opioid, such as heroin or oxycodone, and up to 72 hours after the last use of a long-acting opioid, such as methadone.
This is only a broad reference, and the actual time to wait prior to use of Suboxone will vary, and will depend on various factors. The ideal option is to rely on the medical evaluation and expertise of a healthcare provider to determine the best timing for taking Suboxone. This will also help in making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan based on the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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