Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is an opioid medication designed to aid recovery from opioid dependence. However, many myths regarding Suboxone persist and act as barriers to successful rehabilitation.
Suboxone does not cause overdose in the same way as other opioids; therefore, this myth must be busted. Because Suboxone contains a ceiling effect, an individual cannot take too much at one time to overdose on Suboxone.
Signs Your Suboxone Dose Is Too Low
– Rapid pulse
– Joint pain
– Excessive sweating
– Runny nose/watery eyes
– Restlessness
– Anxiety
– Tremors
– GI upset
– Opioid cravings
– Irritability
– Muscle pain
– Nausea
If the Suboxone dose is too low, individuals may experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms. It is essential to collaborate with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose of Suboxone tailored for their specific needs.
1. Cravings
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a combination drug prescribed to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). As an opioid receptor agonist, Suboxone binds and partially activates opioid receptors within your brain’s limbic system reducing cravings for other opioids as well as helping with withdrawal symptoms.
Note that Suboxone alone cannot completely treat OUD and related conditions; rather it should be used alongside therapy sessions, support groups or counseling as part of an overall treatment strategy.
If you find yourself experiencing drug cravings, this could be a telltale sign that your suboxone dose may not be appropriate for managing opioid dependence or withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Speak with your healthcare provider immediately about this matter so they can use COWS or another assessment tool to ascertain if the appropriate dosage has been determined for your situation.
Likewise, avoid self-medicating your withdrawal symptoms with other substances as this could have serious repercussions for health reasons.
2. Sedation
Sedatives work by increasing GABA activity in your brain. GABA is known for slowing brain activity and when taken in combination with sedatives it has an even more dramatic effect. Dependence becomes clear when you compulsively think about using the medication, need it to cope with symptoms related to its intended condition, or experience unpleasant or painful withdrawal symptoms when stopping taking it abruptly.
When attending any procedure that requires sedation, always bring along a trusted adult as your designated driver afterward. Your body may remain sedated for some time after your visit and having someone there can help with daily household tasks like cooking and cleaning more easily.
Your doctor will periodically reevaluate your dose of Suboxone throughout treatment to make sure it’s the most beneficial and safe dose possible. A higher-than-necessary dosage won’t do any good while taking too little may pose risk.
3. Respiratory Depression
Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) is an opioid abuse treatment medication approved to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder. To effectively manage opioid dependence and avoid overdose, it’s vital that prescribed dosage of this drug be strictly adhered to.
Respiratory depression may be a telltale sign that your Suboxone dose may be too low for effectively managing opioid dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Used correctly, Suboxone should not cause respiratory depression.
Suboxone dosage will vary based on how you respond to its initial use; your physician will adjust accordingly based on how you react on day 1.
As soon as you’re comfortable taking buprenorphine and naloxone daily, they may increase to reach a safe maintenance dose that works for you. You can take it either sublingually (i.e. under your tongue to dissolve) or buccally by placing its film inside of cheek and dissolving.
4. Insomnia
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which acts as a partial opioid agonist – meaning it occupies some of the same receptors activated when other opioid drugs are taken – that may disrupt your sleep. Opioids may cause daytime drowsiness and insomnia as well as disrupt your brain’s natural sleep architecture.
If you are having difficulty sleeping while taking Suboxone, it is essential that you notify your physician immediately. They may suggest changing the dose or switching over to another medication with less sleep-related side effects; in addition, they might suggest over-the-counter sleep aids like valerian and melatonin for assistance.
Sleep is essential to our overall health, so addressing any sleep difficulties should be prioritized. Aim to follow a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and energy drinks; prioritise relaxation activities before bed such as reading or meditation; consider napping during the day for extra restfulness; many find melatonin helpful, though take only what is prescribed (3mg or less); too much can have adverse side effects.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Suboxone
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can start within as little as 36 hours after the last dose and typically persist for a few weeks. The duration and intensity of these symptoms are individualized, influenced by the severity of the addiction.
Some common manifestations experienced during Suboxone withdrawal include:
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Headaches
– Muscle aches
– Insomnia
– Lethargy
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Irritability
– Cravings
If someone you care about shows signs of dependence on Suboxone, it is important to seek medical supervision for a managed withdrawal process that gradually reduces their reliance on the medication.
Inadequate dosage of Suboxone may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Collaborating with healthcare professionals is crucial in determining the appropriate dose tailored to individual needs.
How Often Should You Adjust Your Suboxone Dose
The dosage of Suboxone should be tailored to meet the specific needs and treatment response of each individual. To provide some general guidelines for adjusting the Suboxone dose:
From Day 3 onward, the prescribed dosage of Suboxone sublingual film should be gradually adjusted in increments or decrements of either 2 mg or 0.5 mg, or 4 mg or 1 mg, respectively for buprenorphine and naloxone. This adjustment aims to establish a level that effectively maintains the patient’s treatment and manages opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Clinicians initiate treatment with an initial dose of either 2 mg/0.5 mg or 4 mg/1 mg buprenorphine/naloxone. They may gradually increase the dosage in increments of 2 or 4 mg of buprenorphine, under supervision and at approximately 2-hour intervals, until reaching a dosage of 8 mg/2 mg buprenorphine/naloxone. This adjustment is based on effectively managing acute
After completing the initial treatment and achieving stability, patients typically require a daily maintenance dose of Suboxone sublingual film ranging from 4 mg/1 mg to 24 mg/6 mg. Doses of 16mg or higher can be beneficial in the early stages of treatment. They effectively reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings compared to doses below 16mg.
Working collaboratively with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage of Suboxone tailored specifically to your individual needs holds significant importance.
What Are the Risks of Taking Too Much Suboxone
When someone takes an excessive amount of Suboxone, it poses a range of risks and side effects. Let’s explore some potential risks associated with this occurrence.
Respiratory depression is a potential risk of taking Suboxone, an opioid medication. Ingesting excessive amounts of Suboxone can lead to compromised breathing, which poses a life-threatening situation.
Excessive consumption of Suboxone can lead to the troubling symptoms of dizziness and confusion, ultimately hindering one’s daily functioning abilities.
Excessive consumption of Suboxone can result in unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. These uncomfortable experiences may lead to dehydration and various health complications.
Taking an excessive amount of Suboxone amplifies the risk of overdose. This danger is further heightened when combined with other drugs or alcohol.
It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and adhere to the prescribed dosage of Suboxone. Never exceed the recommended amount. If you encounter any adverse effects or have concerns regarding your Suboxone dosage, it is advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
