|
Subutex is only buprenorphine, which comes in a sublingual pill form or ampules for injection. It is supposed to be used only for the first week of induction (when the addict is in the early stages of w/d). My doctor didn't use that, though. I was started on Suboxone. In the second week, you're given Suboxone, which has the ingredient Naloxone in it which is the opiate agonist. It blocks any opiate effect from the buprenorphine, and if you should happen to take some type of opiate, it'll block it, too. You'll just get sick. If you take too much Sub, you'll get sick. It does have a ceiling effect to it. You're right, Vic, that the addict behavior wants to try more Sub, but the Sub won't let you. Blech! I think it's a very effective way to teach the recovering opiate addict not to run for a pill every two hours or every time they feel uncomfortable. It's definitely saved my life. Most people who are against Sub usage for detox treatment usually don't fully understand its true function or chemical makeup. I don't look at it as replacing one drug with another. It does not produce euphoria. I take it with my anti-depressants.
__________________  |