For patients fighting an opioid addiction, Suboxone can help with recovery by preventing the withdrawal symptoms associated with withdrawal. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and Suboxone can diminish the discomforts of withdrawal.
But patients may be asking themselves “Can you overdose on Suboxone?”. The short answer is yes. Just like with most drugs, if used improperly, Suboxone can cause harm and lead to overdose. But if taken and used as directed by your healthcare professional, the chances of an overdose are low.
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It contains Buprenorphine and Naloxone. These two ingredients work together to reduce a person’s dependence and cravings for opioids. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. An agonist drug activates certain receptors in the brain. In Buprenonorphine’s case, it blocks the opiate receptors and reduces a patient’s urges. Naloxone helps reverse the effects of opioids.
Because Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, it has much weaker opioid effects than drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and methadone, which are full agonists. Suboxone prevents opioid effects such as difficulty breathing or sedation and overdosing on Suboxone alone is very unlikely. However, if it is mixed with other sedative drugs like Klonopin or alcohol, you can overdose on Suboxone. Learn more about Suboxone and chronic pain here.
Suboxone is prescribed by your doctor as a tablet or film that dissolves in the mouth. These tablets or films do not work as well if swallowed, so allowing them to dissolve is important. Drinking water to moisten your mouth before taking Suboxone is suggested. The starting dose will be determined by your doctor based on your medical history and needs. Suboxone can be taken in a clinical setting, but it can also be taken at home, giving the patient autonomy and convenience. The advantage of taking Suboxone in a clinic is being able to talk to the clinician about any questions or concerns. Many patients may choose to do a mix of both, and whatever option you choose, our clinic will support you through your journey.
You might have heard the ‘Ceiling Effect’ mentioned in conversations about Suboxone. Taking Suboxone may produce similar effects to opioids, such as positive mood, sedation, respiratory depression, and more. These effects reach a plateau even as patients increase their dosage, thus leading to a ‘Ceiling Effect’. This effect lowers the chances of misuse and overdose.
While rare, a Suboxone overdose may present the following symptoms:
Pinprick pupils that are unresponsive to light
Extreme fatigue
Blurred vision.
Dizziness and confusion
Slow and irregular breathing
Slurred speech
If you or someone you know is experiencing the above symptoms, call 911 immediately. Treatment for a Suboxone overdose may include a narcotic antagonist or a mixture of activated charcoal and laxatives.
Our unique telemedicine approach allows patients from across the country to access the care they need. While we are located in San Diego, California, our reach extends beyond our physical location. Telehealth has given countless patients the opportunity to connect with a healthcare professional in situations where a physical meeting was not possible. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and increasing accessibility to treatment and Suboxone can be prescribed online through a board-certified addiction specialist.
Unfortunately, addiction treatment still carries a lot of stigma and misunderstanding. We offer judgment-free care with compassionate doctors and healthcare professionals that are committed to our patients. From personalized treatment plans to convenient appointments, our clinic is determined to help those struggling with addiction and chronic pain. Get in touch with us today to get the help you need.
