Vassilis N. Panagopoulos, MD
Suboxone is the brand name for a medication approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder combining buprenorphine and naloxone. In other words, it is approved for the treatment of patients who suffer from addiction to opioids (such as heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine). Buprenorphine is the active ingredient of the medication. It works principally as a partial agonist to the mu-opioid receptors of the brain, i.e. it partially (and not fully) stimulates these receptors thus alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids.
Suboxone is supposed to be administered sublingually, i.e. the medication is placed under the tongue where it dissolves in the saliva and gets absorbed.
Naloxone is an antagonist to the same receptors, i.e. it blocks opioids from having an effect on these receptors. The only reason naloxone is present in this medication is to prevent abuse. Naloxone is not absorbed in the body when the medication is being administered sublingually. In other words, it has no effects to the body under normal circumstances. However, if the medication gets administered intravenously by a person abusing the medication, naloxone will enter the body, block the majority of the effects of buprenorphine (or other opioids) and will likely precipitate severe opioid withdrawal to a person taking opioids daily. Basically, including naloxone in this formulation increases the safety of the provided treatment in the event of abuse.
Suboxone has minimal to mild euphoric/intoxicating effects to tolerant patients who use opioids daily. It mainly prevents withdrawal and decreases the cravings for opioids. It is not nearly as addictive as frequently abused opioids. It has been shown in rigorous scientific studies to help prevent relapse to opioids and to decrease the harm caused by ongoing use to the patients and their community.
No, abstinence from any and all substances is the goal and is required in order to continue the treatment with Suboxone. Regular urine drug screen testing is required to monitor response to treatment and ensure its safety.
Psychotherapy is a treatment provided simultaneously with Suboxone to support and assist the patients in their recovery from opioids. It has been shown to improve the outcomes of treatment with suboxone. Active participation in psychotherapy is required based on most treatment protocols. In addition, any underlying psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety) are also being addressed as indicated.
Dr. Panagopoulos, a US-trained addiction psychiatrist with significant related experience in the treatment of opioid use disorder, offers to the community of Limassol both medication management services regarding the prescribing of Suboxone as well as psychotherapy services in a compassionate and individualized manner adhering to the most up-to-date treatment guidelines. There is no room for shame and stigma in our clinic and treatment philosophy.
Thank you for your interest in mental health and in our services! Feel free to contact us via email (info@drpanago.com) or call us.
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