Rehab Reports Right Time to Take Suboxone

Greeneville, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local rehab that recently published an article reporting on how long after heroin is taken can Suboxone be used. Their program combines medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and outpatient therapy for successful recovery of opioid use disorders.

“Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it still attaches to opioid receptors and triggers euphoria similar to heroin. However, because it is only a partial agonist, the effects are less intense than full agonists including heroin. This is how Suboxone works in treating withdrawal symptoms.

The risk of starting Suboxone too early is due to the naloxone. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses as it is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and blocks the effects of opioids like heroin. In Suboxone, naloxone creates a ceiling effect when paired with buprenorphine. Taking more Suboxone will not increase the effects, meaning the person cannot get “more high” from increasing the dose. When Suboxone is taken too early and heroin is still actively present within the body, the naloxone will cause precipitated withdrawal. Withdrawal from heroin will naturally occur when you stop taking it. But when Suboxone is taken too soon, precipitated withdrawal will cause severe and sudden withdrawal symptoms,” the article reads.

Heroin is a short-acting opioid as it leaves the body quickly. Different factors such as overall health and length of time taking heroin can affect how long until it is safe to begin Suboxone. On average, it is safe to begin treatment around 6 to 24 hours after the last dose. The patient has to begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms before Suboxone may be given. The doctor may ask questions about heroin use, including how often and how much was taken each time. They will need to know the last known heroin use so they can plan accordingly for when withdrawal symptoms will start.

Suboxone is a helpful treatment that has been proven to treat opioid use disorders successfully. Once withdrawal symptoms begin and Suboxone is given, patients feel relief and more comfortable. However, it can take up to an hour for Suboxone to begin working, requiring proper planning. Avoiding excess stressors like trying to work while just starting Suboxone can be helpful. Setting aside a couple of days to get acclimated peacefully and stress-free can be beneficial in beginning Suboxone treatment. Also, report any negative symptoms to the prescribing doctor. Suboxone doses can vary, and adjustments can be made based on negative interactions.

“Mixing Suboxone with cocaine or other stimulants can prove just as dangerous. A common drug combination is heroin and cocaine, known as speedballing. This is because both substances counteract each other, allowing the person to do more and keep feeling the same effects. However, by doing so, the risk of an overdose increases exponentially. Some have tried to mix cocaine with Suboxone to create the same effects of speedballing, but the outcome is similar. Suboxone prevents opioid overdoses, but not the effects of stimulants such as cocaine. The person could still experience an overdose from cocaine, which can be just as life-threatening as an opioid overdose.

Always inform your doctor of any prescription medications you take before starting Suboxone treatment. Benzodiazepines, muscle relaxers, and antipsychotics are known to have negative interactions with Suboxone. Antidepressants can also cause uncomfortable side effects. Your doctor will work with you to help manage side effects or change medications to provide symptom relief. Mental health often plays a role in substance use, and finding the right combination of medications that are safe with Suboxone will ensure both conditions are treated properly,” the article continues.

Return to use does not mean a failure in recovery, and many find it as a part of their journey. Taking heroin while taking Suboxone will not produce the same effects. Suboxone contains naloxone, which blocks the opioid receptors from binding with heroin, and so forth blocks any effects it would release. Taking Suboxone as prescribed will cause heroin to not have an effect. However, stopping Suboxone treatment and returning to heroin use could lead to a possible overdose.

ReVIDA® Recovery has helped many Appalachian residents find their success in recovery from opioid use disorders. They utilize MAT and outpatient therapy to address the root causes of opioid use and develop healthy coping skills. With locations throughout Tennessee and Virginia, they are easing the burden of finding access to quality care.

To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.