Subutex Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs and Detoxification

Subutex withdrawal may involve symptoms similar to the symptoms stemming from other opioid drugs, such as morphine, heroin, and methadone.


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Subutex withdrawal may involve symptoms similar to the symptoms stemming from other opioid drugs, such as morphine, heroin, and methadone. However, because Subutex is less potent than these other opioids, the potential for abuse is lower and the subsequent withdrawal symptoms are less intense.

This drug, which is also known by its generic name buprenorphine, is normally used during treatment for more potent opioid drugs because it helps mitigate the withdrawal symptoms caused when someone stops taking one of those drugs.

Subutex works by stimulating the same receptors as other opioids. However, unlike most opioids, higher doses do not cause an increased effect. Because of this, it is most effective for treating drug abusers who only take a small dose of opioids each day.

Common Subutex Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone taking Subutex might experience withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. The withdrawal symptoms are generally similar to withdrawal symptoms when halting the use of any opioid. Both physical and mental symptoms are possible. Physical symptoms include muscle cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, goosebumps, yawning, fever, and sweating. Psychological symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and cravings for the drug. Insomnia is another potential sign of Subutex withdrawal.

The specific symptoms vary between individuals and may also depend on the length of time the patient has been taking Subutex, the frequency of use, and the specific dosage taken. In most cases, the symptoms are not deadly or dangerous to the person’s overall health, but they can be extremely uncomfortable.

When Subutex use is halted suddenly, symptoms typically begin about 48 hours after the last dose and continue for up to 10 days. The third day of symptoms is usually the worst. Many users relapse during detoxification as the symptoms become more than they can bear. For this reason, gradual withdrawal tends to be more successful.

How Long Do Subutex Withdrawals Last?

The timeline for the effects of withdrawal varies from patient to patient depending on the duration of drug use and the length of time since the last dosage. Withdrawals can last anywhere from 2 to 5 days, with symptoms lasting up to several weeks.

Do You Have a List Popular Slang or Street Names for Subutex?

Subbies, temmies, bupe, blues

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

While it is important to remain on a healthy diet while detoxing from Subutex, there are no known alternative medicines or home remedies that can relieve or cure withdrawal symptoms. Those going through the detoxification process should seek medical help from a drug rehabilitation center for proper relief from a trained professional. Rehabilitation centers have proven methods for addiction relief. If you or a loved one is looking for help through the recovery process, call 1-888-658-5242 or visit our locator page and begin reclaiming life today.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Subutex?

Subutex withdrawal timelines can last anywhere from 2 days to several weeks. The duration of recovery time depends on the length of drug use and the amount of Subutex in the system.

 

Withdrawing from Subutex: Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Subutex withdrawal treatment requires medical supervision because the potential side effects can be so severe. It should also be a gradual process so that withdrawal symptoms are kept under control. The treatment process involves a doctor issuing increasingly smaller doses of the drug over a long period of time.

Treatment can take place in an inpatient clinic or can be administered on an outpatient basis. During inpatient treatment, the drug user lives at the facility with other recovering drug users and is monitored during the treatment process.

An outpatient program involves living at home but attending daily or alternate-day counseling sessions and drug administration sessions at the clinic. The doctor in charge of recovery controls the dose and timing of Subutex use throughout the detoxification process. The detoxification phase lasts until the drug has completely left the system and withdrawal symptoms have subsided. After this phase, further treatment is required to help prevent a relapse.


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Detoxing, Addiction Treatment, Rehab, and Recovery

Once the detoxification phase is underway, psychological counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically used to help the recovering addict find ways to cope with life and not go back to using Subutex.

Other potential methods used as concurrent or follow-up treatments include acupuncture, yoga, meditation therapy, family counseling, and participation in a 12-step program. These additional treatments are started during withdrawal because withdrawal is such a long process that it may not be feasible to wait until detoxification is complete to begin them.

The follow-up treatment for Subutex addiction and abuse can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Some patients opt to participate in an inpatient program for the detoxification phase and then switch to an outpatient program for further treatment. If Subutex was originally prescribed to help deal with another addiction, that addiction may also need to be treated.



Subutex Information at a Glance
Medication Name, Costs Class of Medicine
  • Generic Name: Buprenorphine
  • Generic Name Variations: N/A
  • Chemical Name: N/A
  • Brand Name: Subutex
  • Brand Name Variations: Suboxone
  • Cost/Price: $195/60 mg
  • Used to Treat Addiction? Yes
  • Function or Use at Low Dose: Treat Opiate addiction
  • Function or Use at High Dose: N/A
  • Chemical Makeup: N/A
  • System: N/A
  • Duration of Action: Several hours
Form, Intake, and Dosage Interactions and Complications
  • Drug Forms: Tablet
  • Administration Routes: Administered orally, sublingual
  • Dosage: 2 tablets
  • Overdose: More than 8 mg
  • Alcohol Interaction: Severe, sometimes fatal side effects
  • Illicit Drugs: N/A
  • Prescription Medications: Should not be taken with other depressant or analgesics
  • Contraindications: N/A
Effects and Adverse Reactions Substance Abuse
  • Short-Term: Yellowing of eyes and skin, pale stool, shallow breathing, vomiting, stomach pain, headache
  • Long-Term: Respiratory and cardiovascular damage, fatal when overdosed
  • Risk of Substance Abuse: High risk when used in conjunction with other medications
  • Signs of Abuse: Extreme sedation, unconsciousness, death
Physiological Problem Signs and Symptoms Dependence and Addiction Issues
  • Withdrawal Syndrome Onset:
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Diarrhea, weakness, cramps, mood changes, depression, fever, spasms, irritability
  • Tolerance: Users may develop a tolerance
  • Cross Dependence: N/A
  • Physical Dependence: Possible
  • Psychological Dependence: Possible
Legal Schedules and Ratings
  • Controlled Substances Act Rating: Schedule IV