Opioid addiction is a major public health crisis in the United States. Overdose deaths have been rising steadily for years, and opioids are a major factor in this increase. A medication called buprenorphine can be used to treat opioid addiction.
The medication is safe and effective, and it has the potential to save lives. In fact, it is such an effective medication that the opioid epidemic could be reduced significantly if more people had access to buprenorphine. Buprenorphine has been clinically proven to reduce the severity and duration of opioid withdrawal symptoms and to reduce cravings for opioids.
It can be taken as a tablet or dissolved under the tongue. It is not only effective in helping people overcome their addiction to opioids, but it can also be used with other drugs like methadone and naltrexone to help reduce the number of drugs they are taking. Here are some of the reasons why buprenorphine can be helpful to those who are struggling with opioid addiction.
What is Buprenorphine and How Does it Work?
The medication buprenorphine is used to treat opioid addiction. It’s a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors but doesn’t produce the same high as other opioids. Since it is a partial opioid agonist, it reduces cravings and tolerance. It is characterized by a high affinity for the μ-opioid receptor, which means that it binds to the receptor more strongly than other opioids, including heroin.
Additionally, buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect,” which means that at a certain dose, the drug ceases to be effective. The ceiling effect may help prevent buprenorphine abuse. It has minimal side effects for most people. It is likely to cause drowsiness and anticholinergic effects that can make you feel lightheaded or cause dry mouth and constipation. However, more distressing side-effects have been observed in a small percentage of users. This list of symptoms includes nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, loss of coordination, excessive sweating, mild to moderate skin redness (flushing), runny nose/sneezing/watery eyes, and insomnia.
Usage: Recommended Doctor’s Guidelines
There are several ways to take buprenorphine, including tablets, films, and sublingual (under the tongue). Buprenorphine only needs to be taken once a day because its side effects last for up to 24 hours, unlike most opioids that wear off within a few hours. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid that can be used to help with the symptoms of opioid addiction.
It is important to remember that this medication does not provide the same effects as a full opioid, and it should not be abused in place of a full opioid. Taking buprenorphine exactly as prescribed is also important because taking too much buprenorphine can cause respiratory depression (slow breathing) and taking too little buprenorphine may not provide enough opioid addiction treatment. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know before starting treatment with buprenorphine because it can cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies. People with liver disease should avoid taking buprenorphine.
How to Get a Buprenorphine Prescription
You should seek out a doctor who is certified to prescribe buprenorphine if the opioid epidemic has hit close to home. However, you should know what type of assistance a doctor can offer when you’re looking for one. While the most convenient option may be to start with your primary care physician, they will probably recommend another doctor who specializes in opioid addiction.
As part of your new doctor’s treatment plan, you must be willing to undergo regular counseling and drug testing. Finally, buprenorphine is not a miracle drug. It is an aid to recovery, but it is not a solution in and of itself. Recovery from opioid addiction requires challenging work and dedication. Buprenorphine can be a valuable tool in the journey to recovery if you are willing to put the work in. We can help you overcome your addiction to opioids by calling 844-639-8371
.