- Buprenorphine is the opioid in Suboxone with a long-acting unusually long half-life between 16.4 to 27.5 hours. Buprenorphine is a Partial opioid agonist with very little euphoria and opioid activity, and low risk of overdose.
- Suboxone is a brand-name medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone.
- Buprenorphine stabilizes opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings and discouraging misuse.
- Improved treatment retention patients are more likely to remain on medication for longer periods.
- Reduced relapse, transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C,
- Improved outcomes in pregnancy.
Some common side effects: Headache, Low energy, lethargic, chronic fatigue, sweating, constipation, dependence, drowsiness, low blood pressure, sedation, shortness of breath.
Though some drugs with buprenorphine are used for pain relief, Suboxone should only be used for the treatment of OUD. Mixing Suboxone with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, can have serious or even fatal consequences.