ÍøºìºÚÁÏ

Definition

Suboxone is a prescription medicine used to treat people who are dependent on opioids, including drugs like heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers. It contains two medicines: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone helps prevent misuse. Suboxone is often used as part of medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, to support recovery from opioid addiction.

Suboxone does not treat benzodiazepine addiction or benzo withdrawal, but it’s sometimes used in people who are dependent on both opioids and anxiety medications. Combining benzos and opioids can be dangerous and should be managed by a medical professional.

Alternative names

Buprenorphine-naloxone; MAT for opioid use disorder; Suboxone treatment; Medication-assisted therapy

Symptoms treated by Suboxone

Suboxone helps reduce or prevent symptoms of opioid withdrawal, which may include:

• Anxiety or restlessness
• Muscle pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Opioid cravings
• Sweating or chills
• Trouble sleeping

When taken as prescribed, Suboxone can help people feel more stable and begin recovery from opioid dependence.

How Suboxone works

Suboxone comes as a film or tablet placed under the tongue or inside the cheek. It’s usually taken once a day.

• Buprenorphine works by attaching to the same brain receptors as opioids but without producing a strong high.
• Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids if Suboxone is misused (for example, injected instead of taken by mouth).

This combination helps reduce the risk of misuse while supporting people in treatment.

Risks and side effects

Suboxone side effects may include:

• Constipation
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Sweating

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can start if taken too soon after the last opioid use. It should only be taken under a doctor’s care.

Taking Suboxone with benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Ativan) or alcohol can increase the risk of breathing problems, overdose or death. Always tell your provider if you are taking anxiety medications or other sedatives.

Causes for Suboxone use

Doctors may prescribe Suboxone if someone:

• Is addicted to opioids and wants to stop using
• Has had withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
• Has not responded well to other treatments
• Needs help reducing cravings and staying in recovery

Suboxone is not meant for short-term pain relief or casual use. It is a treatment for opioid use disorder, a serious medical condition.

Suboxone treatment

Suboxone is usually part of a larger treatment plan that may include:

• Behavioral therapy or counseling
• Mental health treatment, especially for anxiety or depression
• Medical monitoring
• Support groups

Treatment can last for months or even years, depending on the person’s needs. Stopping Suboxone suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Doctors often recommend tapering the dose slowly under supervision.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Many people who take Suboxone as part of treatment for opioid addiction can live healthier, drug-free lives. The medicine can reduce the risk of relapse and overdose. With support, individuals can maintain their recovery and rebuild their lives.

Related specialties

• Emergency Medicine
• Addiction Medicine

This entry was written by Jennifer Cruz-Urbano, marketing specialist, and reviewed for accuracy by Rachel Waters, Manager Regional Business Development, and David Fields, Executive Director FRC. Generative AI was leveraged as part of the content creation process.