An opioid addiction, either from prescription drugs or to substances like heroin, is a complicated one.
People take opioids for different reasons – it’s either to begin with an experiment or as means to end the cycle of pain.
To address this, there have been many recovery programs set up and remedies developed to help people heal.
Though, there’s a solution available to treat opioid addiction – it’s Suboxone.
But what makes it work? And to be more specific, how long does Suboxone block opiates?
Please read on to learn how Suboxone works and how long it can block the effects of opiates.
Opioid Addiction
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) arises from opioid abuse.
What opioids do is affect the brain receptors that relieve pain, provide pleasure/euphoria, and make you sleepy.
There are some prescriptions opioids that are legally used for pain management but they can end up being addictive if one abuses or misuses them.
Illegal opioids like heroin can be addictive and harmful in the same way.
When one gets addicted to these drugs; it causes a cycle where they need higher doses for the same high, that, unfortunately, further builds dependence.
It can be fatal too.
American Society of Addiction Medicine reports that 2 million Americans were addicted to opioid pain relievers in 2015 alone, plus an additional 591,000 addicted to heroin.
The outcomes of opioid addiction are often tragic.
Which is why there’s a need for proper treatment, and that’s where Suboxone can be helpful.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication-assisted treatment and it’s used for treating addiction to opioids.
It has two drugs; buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which eases the withdrawal symptoms from other opiates. It also helps fight cravings.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which offsets the desire and means of abusing Suboxone.
How Does Suboxone Work?
The way Suboxone works is interesting – it binds to the same brain receptors as other opiates but does not produce the same “high.”
Buprenorphine has a high affinity for the opioid receptors, so once it binds to them, it blocks other opioids from taking effect.
It outperforms opioids because it bonds strongly.
Buprenorphine might produce some euphoric effects like opioids, but they are weaker.
To be effective, Suboxone should be taken sublingually (under the tongue).
When it’s taken this way, buprenorphine gets absorbed into the bloodstream, while naloxone passes out of the body.
How Long Does Suboxone Block Opiates?
The important question are: for how long does Suboxone block opiates? And how long does Subxone last?
This depends largely on two variables: dosage and a person’s physiological makeup.
- Dosage – The usual Suboxone dosage for opioid dependence is of 16-24 mg/day.
The blocking effects of Suboxone can last for about 24 to 60 hours.
Suboxone’s ability to continuously block opiates begins to wane after this time.
For a few more days, it could still counteract their effects.
- Physiology – Personal characteristics like metabolism, body mass, general health, age, lifestyle, and use history can affect how long Suboxone stays active in your body.
Suboxone’s ability to block opiates also depends on the dose.
Low doses can block opiate effects for a few hours, but high doses can last for days.
But it does not mean one should increase the dose without any medical advice.
Overdoses are serious issues.
The “Ceiling Effect” of Suboxone
Buprenorphine causes a “ceiling effect.”
Once the dosage reaches a certain level, any additional amount won’t cause any further effect or “high.”
This really helps when it comes to safety, since it reduces the chances and likelihood of overdose and dependence.
Also, this means taking more Suboxone won’t block opiates for more than 24-60 hours; so it’s important to take it as your doctor prescribes.
Is Suboxone Effective for Opiate Withdrawal?
Studies tell that Suboxone works particularly well for treating opioid withdrawal.
Its specific action at the opioid receptors reduces withdrawal symptoms without causing euphoric effects of other opioids.
A dual-action like this aids the transition process and helps people to break free from addiction.
It is essential to combine Suboxone with these.
- Behavioral therapies.
- Healthy changes to your lifestyle.
- Ongoing support.
A long-term and sustainable recovery depends on these too.
Managing Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone treatment needs to be managed carefully.
It should only be started under medical supervision, once acute symptoms of withdrawal have begun, usually 12-24 hours after the last opioid use.
Treatment with Suboxone should not be immediately stopped to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A gradual dose taper, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can ease discomfort.
Side Effects of Suboxone
Suboxone can cause some common and temporary side effects.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headache.
- Insomnia.
- Sweating.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Drowsiness.
- Mouth numbness.
- Confusion.
Long-term Benefits of Suboxone
The following are some long-term benefits of Suboxone use.
- Taking Suboxone makes you more resistant to opioid cravings.
- Helps prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
- Provides stability to your life, and lets you focus on healing, your work, and your relationships.
- Reverses the damage your body and brain have sustained.
- Lowers the risk of relapse.
- Increases participation in counseling and therapy.
How Long Should You Be On Suboxone?
The other important questions are: How long can you be on Suboxone? And how long do you take Suboxone?
Staying on Suboxone longer generally allows for better recovery, but there’s no set duration.
Generally, it’s wise to continue until life gets better.
Getting off Suboxone is different for each person — some might use it for a few months, others for 6 to 12 months, or more.
Track your progress and choose what works best for you based on how you’re doing.
How Long Does It Take Suboxone to Leave Your System?
If you’re wondering how long does it take for suboxone to dissolve; it takes about 15-30 minutes to dissolve.
The effects of Subxone can last for about 24 hours following a dose.
Once a person has taken Suboxone, the drug isn’t usually detectable in healthy people after 5 to 8 days.
For those with severe liver disease, it might take a bit longer, around 7 to 14 days, for Suboxone to completely leave the body.
A Final Word
Suboxone is showing promise in the treatment of opiate addiction.
It blocks opiates for 24-60 hours.
It provides symptom relief during withdrawal as well as blocking the effects of other opiates.
Although, personal factors, dosage, and appropriate management influence its efficacy over time.
Overcoming addiction needs comprehensive, holistic care.
Suboxone is part of the solution. These all have equally important roles too.
- Having a personal commitment.
- Taking a broader view of health.
- Familial and societal support.
- Professional help.
- Counseling and behavioral therapies.
In the hands of medical professionals and as part of a structured program, Suboxone can help people recover from opioid addiction.
At Good Path Health Services, we can help. Contact us today.
FAQs
How long will Suboxone block opiates?
Suboxon blocks opiates for about 24 to 60 hours.
Though, your personal responses could influence this too.
Does Suboxone make you lose weight?
No, weight changes don’t commonly happen with Suboxone use.
How long does it take for Suboxone to work?
If you’re wondering how long does it take for Suboxone to start working; it begins to work within 30-60 minutes after taking it, but it’s full effects could take longer to show up.
Is there a Suboxone long term damage?
Suboxone is usually taken for 6 months to a year or more – which is normal. Though, a super prolonged use might cause some side effects like:
- Dowsiness and confusion.
- Social isolation.
- Anxiety / depression.
- A greater sensitivity to pain.
How long is too long to be on Suboxone?
The timeframe for Suboxone treatment depends on the person.
Consult your healthcare provider about the right duration for you.
How long does Suboxone stay in your system?
In healthy people, Suboxone is usually not detectable after 5 to 8 days after taking it.
Does Suboxone dilate your pupils?
Yes, Suboxone might cause pupil dilation as a side effect.
How long after taking Suboxone can I eat or drink?
After taking Suboxone, wait for 30 minutes to 2 hours before eating or drinking anything.
How long should Suboxone be taken?
How long can you stay on Suboxone? The duration of Suboxone treatment depends on the needs of each patient.
It’s normal to take Suboxone for 6 months to 12 months.
Although, the duration also depends on your:
- Age.
- Dosage.
- Physiological makeup.
- Lifestyle and health.
