Suboxone is a prescription medication utilized in the treatment of opioid addiction and is an important step in the recovery journey for many individuals who struggle with substance use disorder. One of the main benefits of Suboxone is its ability to block the effects of opioids—but how long does Suboxone block opioids, and what are the exact advantages of this medication?
In our article, we will explain the duration of Suboxone effects, list the factors that may change how long Suboxone stays in a person’s system, and talk about the benefits of this medication in addiction treatment. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic and provide you with guidance on incorporating Suboxone into your recovery journey.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It combines buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist that blocks the negative effects of opioid drugs) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist that prevents misuse of medication.) Suboxone helps people reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms and can be used during medically supervised detox as well as long-term maintenance treatment.
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How Long Does Suboxone Block Opioids?
On average, Suboxone can block the effects of opioid drugs for 12-24 hours. The exact duration of Suboxone effects will depend on a few factors we have listed below—some people will stop experiencing the impact of Suboxone only 6 hours after taking the medication, while others will feel its effects for 2 full days. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you the proper dosage of Suboxone and adjust it to suit your needs.
What Factors Affect the Duration of Suboxone Effects?
Here are the main factors that play a role in how long Suboxone will remain in your system:
- Dosage. Typically, the doctor will prescribe you 2 mg or 8 mg of Suboxone per day—the higher the dosage, the longer you will feel the effects of the medication.
- Frequency of Use. If you have been taking Suboxone every day for several weeks or months, it may build up in your system and remain there for a long time.
- Weight and Age. Your body mass and age will affect the way your organism metabolizes medication—a younger person with a lower weight will process Suboxone faster compared to an older and heavier individual.
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What Are the Benefits of Suboxone?
Proper Suboxone usage under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider can be very advantageous for a person who suffers from opioid addiction:
- Manageable Detox. Many people are reluctant to quit opioids because they are scared of withdrawal and the painful symptoms it brings—with Suboxone, you will be able to control and even prevent these symptoms.
- Reduced Cravings. Suboxone binds to the same receptors in the brain targeted by opioids, which means you will no longer feel the temptation to misuse drugs.
- Lower Risk of Overdose. Suboxone blocks the effects of opioids—if you take drugs while you are on Suboxone treatment, likely, you will likely not feel their impact on your brain and body.
FAQs
How long does it take for Suboxone to start working?
Suboxone is usually taken sublingually (a person puts a Suboxone tablet or film under their tongue to let it dissolve). You will feel the effects of the medication 20-70 minutes after you take it.
How long should I take Suboxone?
There is no fixed duration for Suboxone therapy—some patients take it for a few days during detox to manage withdrawal, while others remain on Suboxone treatment for several years. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your recovery.
Can I take Suboxone and opioids at the same time?
It is highly inadvisable to combine Suboxone and opioid drugs—this may lead to serious side effects (intense headaches, high blood pressure, and accelerated heart rate) and increase the risk of a drug overdose.
What are the side effects of Suboxone?
There may be adverse effects you experience after taking Suboxone: headaches, nausea, insomnia, pain in muscles and joints, fatigue, fever, and mood swings. If you suffer from these symptoms, reach out to your doctor—they may decide to lower your Suboxone dosage or discontinue this medication.
What are the benefits of Suboxone?
The main advantages of Suboxone include the prevention of withdrawal symptoms, a gradual reduction in drug cravings, and a lower probability of drug misuse in the future. This medication will help you restore normalcy in your life without the negative influence of substance abuse.
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Embrace Recovery With Suboxone Support
We hope that our guide was able to explain the purpose of Suboxone treatment and its benefits for a person who struggles with opioid addiction. This medication will block the effects of drugs on your brain, help you cope with withdrawal, and put you on the path to recovery.
In case you are looking for professionals to assist you with Suboxone therapy and build a personalized treatment plan for yourself or your loved one, get in touch with Silicon Valley Recovery. Our team will be happy to answer your questions about Suboxone and support you on your recovery journey.
