Suboxone, a game-changer in opioid addiction treatments, combines the strengths of buprenorphine and naloxone but Suboxone withdrawal is also challenging like any other drug.
Before Suboxone, there was Subutex. Released in 1995, it addressed the AIDS epidemic affecting intravenous drug users. However, Subutex turned out to be highly addictive, posing challenges for those seeking treatment. To overcome this, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) devised a solution – combining Buprenorphine with “methadone diversion” to create Suboxone. This two-in-one medication provided pain relief and addiction treatment without inducing a high.
Approved by the FDA in 2002, buprenorphine helps reduce narcotic dependence through careful doctor-led tapering. Naloxone, praised by lawmakers and emergency responders, acts quickly in opioid overdoses, temporarily reversing the effects and allowing time for medical help. Together, they ensure Suboxone’s resistance to misuse. While taking Suboxone as prescribed aids in curbing cravings and withdrawals, misuse, like injection, triggers an uncomfortable, yet non-fatal withdrawal due to naloxone’s rapid action.
Suboxone Withdrawal
Despite its therapeutic advantages, discontinuing Suboxone can lead to withdrawal, reflecting the body’s physical dependence on opioids, albeit at a controlled level. Withdrawal symptoms can mirror those of other opioids and are indicative of the body’s readjustment to function without the drug.
Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal
Individuals undergoing Suboxone withdrawal might experience a range of symptoms, similar to typical opioid withdrawal.
These include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia
- Physical symptoms such as nausea, fever, headaches, and muscle aches
- Digestive discomfort, including diarrhea and abdominal pain<
- Emotional fluctuations, most notably depression
- Persistent drug cravings
These symptoms, while not life-threatening, can be intensely uncomfortable and psychologically challenging.
How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?
Timeline of Suboxone Withdrawal
Suboxone withdrawal’s timeline can extend approximately one month, influenced by factors such as the duration of use, dosage, and individual health considerations. The process typically unfolds as follows:
First 72 hours: Onset of physical symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, and muscle aches.
First week: Continuation of physical symptoms, introduction of emotional symptoms such as mood swings and insomnia.
Second week: Easing of physical symptoms, with emotional symptoms like depression becoming more prominent.
After one month: Physical symptoms mostly subside, but psychological symptoms and cravings may persist.
Given Suboxone’s long-acting nature, withdrawal symptoms may take longer to manifest compared to other opioids but often last longer, requiring a structured tapering process overseen by healthcare professionals to mitigate discomfort and relapse risks.
How long does suboxone stay in your system?
According to a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, buprenorphine, the primary active ingredient in Suboxone, has a half-life of 24-42 hours, resulting in its presence in the body for up to 7-9 days, depending on individual metabolism and frequency of use. Naloxone, the secondary component, is cleared more quickly, with a half-life of 2-12 hours, typically leaving the system within 1-2 days. Additionally, research from MedlinePlus indicates that buprenorphine can be detected in urine for up to 7 days, in blood for 2-3 days, and in hair for up to 90 days, while saliva detection spans 1-4 days. These timelines can vary based on factors like liver health, age, and concurrent drug use.
What is Ceiling Effect with Suboxone
A distinctive feature of buprenorphine is its ‘ceiling effect’, which limits the drug’s impact after a certain point, even with increasing doses. This phenomenon intends to prevent the full-blown opioid ‘highs’ and lower overdose potential. However, for individuals with low opioid tolerance, there’s a risk of overdose, as their threshold for the ceiling effect is significantly lower. Misconceptions about this ceiling can lead to unsafe practices, particularly when Suboxone is mixed with substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, potent enough to precipitate an overdose.
Suboxone represents a significant advance in addiction treatment, offering a safer avenue for those seeking to overcome opioid dependency. However, its withdrawal process requires careful management to avoid severe discomfort or the potential dangers associated with unsupervised detoxing.
You should be aware of professional guidance for tapering and post-treatment therapy to ensure a successful, sustained recovery.
Awareness of the ‘ceiling effect’ and the implications of mixed substance use also contributes to informed, responsible Suboxone use within the journey to recovery.
Is Suboxone Addictive?
Can You Overdose On Suboxone and Die?
