Subutex, a prescription medication that is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist, is used to treat individuals who are stuck in the cycle of opioid addiction. With buprenorphine hydrochloride as its primary active ingredient, Subutex is administered once daily in the form of a dissolvable tablet. This medication is used within medication assisted treatment programs, as it is capable of decreasing the painful symptoms of withdrawal that can develop when the use of opioids has stopped. Additionally, Subutex is effective in curbing cravings so that an individual can remain focused on his or her recovery.

With approval from the U.S, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002, Subutex is one of only a few medications that is proven safe to use in the treatment of opioid addiction. Extensive research has demonstrated that the consumption of Subutex is much safer than continuing to abuse opioids, especially because Subutex does not cause vital organ damage like many opioids do. When an individual is prescribed this medication, he or she will also not go through any cognitive impairments that could lead to daily disturbances and poor physical functioning. When Subutex is being taken as a part of a medication assisted treatment program, those who are obtaining this form of care are able to fully focus themselves on recovering and engaging in their daily responsibilities.

It is imperative to know that Subutex (like other medications) can trigger the onset of side effects. While Subutex is safe to consume while being monitored by a healthcare professional, those who are looking into this form of treatment should talk about potential side effects and ask his or her provider as many questions as desired to ensure the safe consumption of Subutex. Additionally, talking about Subutex and its effects with one’s doctor can alleviate any concerns linked to this form of treatment.

Endless studies have shown the effectiveness of Subutex in the treatment of opioid addiction. Individuals who have Subutex included in their medication assisted treatment plan have reported diminished cravings for continued use of morphine, prescription painkillers, or heroin. In addition, these same individuals also reported that when Subutex is part of their treatment, withdrawal symptoms are alleviated.

Overall, when Subutex is included into the treatment for an opioid addiction, patients tend to yield positive outcomes, as they are allowed to stay laser-focused on their recovery rather than the physical side effects of opioid withdrawal.

Substance abuse treatment that involves the use of Subutex often includes three separate treatment phases, including:

Induction: This first phase of treatment occurs when a patient is introduced to Subutex. At this time, patients are just starting to experience withdrawal from the cessation of their use.

Stabilization: Patients who are in the stabilization phase are no longer having withdrawal symptoms or battling with cravings. Depending on the patient’s needs, the dosage of his or her Subutex can be altered at this time.

Maintenance: When a patient reaches the maintenance stage, he or she is considered stable and can begin talking about tapering off of Subutex or switching to a different medication.

As these phases occur, it is incredibly helpful for a patient to obtain counseling services. Individual and group therapy can help a patient comb through his or her feelings surrounding these phases, become educated on the skills needed to continue recovery, share his or her successes and setbacks, and obtain full support from professionals and others who have gone through similar challenges. Research has shown that individuals who have obtained therapy during their medication assisted treatment are less likely to relapse.

Most common side effects:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Back pain
• Pain
• Depression
• Sleeplessness
• Sweating
• Infections
• Headache
• Weakness

Fairly common side effects:

• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Chills
• Runny eyes
• Tiredness

Less common side effects:

• Fever
• Abscesses
• Accidental injury
• Upset stomach