Buprenorphine Treatment
The FDA approved buprenorphine and buprenorphine with naloxone, the most well known of which is Suboxone®, for clinical use in 2002 to help patients with opioid use disorders. Treatment centers like MedMark use them today as an option for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Like our methadone program, buprenorphine treatment benefits from support services like counseling. Our medication-assisted treatment programs use counseling to increase your chance of success. By addressing all aspects of addiction, we can help you get back to your life.
As a partial agonist, buprenorphine activates the brain’s opioid receptors. It triggers this response to a lesser degree than a full agonist like methadone. This is the primary difference between methadone and buprenorphine uses. Buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect” limiting its ability to be used to get “high” or feel euphoria. It also acts as an antagonist, blocking other opioids while reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The right dose of buprenorphine varies for each person. Buprenorphine and buprenorphine with naloxone often begin with a more aggressive dose than with methadone because of the ceiling effect. While we tend to prescribe methadone in a small initial dose, we can start with a larger amount of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine and compounds such as Suboxone® have been shown to be more effective at lower doses overall. At a certain point, increasing the dose may not provide additional benefit. Before beginning buprenorphine treatment, a patient must be experiencing mild discomfort or withdrawals.
Patients report most of their buprenorphine side effects as mild. Your doctor or counselor can adjust your dosage if you experience any adverse symptoms. Buprenorphine treatment may need modifications over time to increase your chance of success. Update your care team about any symptoms you have during your MAT program. Common side effects of buprenorphine treatment include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Headache
- Constipation
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Sweating
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Mood swings
Patients with questions about buprenorphine can ask their care team for more information. The team will tell you about the treatment process, potential drug interactions and precautions to follow. Communicating with your care team ensures that you get the most out of your MAT program. Over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, supplements and natural remedies can all cause adverse reactions. Talk to your program staff about every part of your medical care.
Buprenorphine compounds are buprenorphine medicines that include naloxone. You may know naloxone as NARCAN®, a rescue medication used to stop overdose. It blocks opioids from activating receptors in the brain and can cause uncomfortable withdrawal. When taken as directed, a buprenorphine compound with naloxone doesn’t trigger withdrawal effects. However, it creates immediate withdrawal symptoms when misused. This function discourages patients from injecting the medication to feel euphoria.
We use buprenorphine with naloxone as our most common buprenorphine treatment, but you may have other options available. Depending on state regulations, we may also provide medications like Subutex®, Bunavail® and Zubsolv®. The differences between these treatments depend on their administration. Suboxone® comes in the form of a film taken under the tongue. You can take other types of buprenorphine compounds as films that go between the gum and cheek or tablets placed under your tongue. Your treatment team will help you find the right fit.
Why Count on MedMark for Opioid Use Therapy?
MedMark’s buprenorphine program addresses all aspects of wellness to promote recovery. Medication-assisted treatment from MedMark empowers patients to succeed with services such as:
- Individual opioid counseling
- Community resource referrals
- Group and family counseling
- Relapse prevention planning
- Case management
Every patient who receives our care has an individualized treatment plan. Your care team of clinicians and physicians will tailor recovery to your personal needs.
Find a Licensed Buprenorphine Treatment Center Near You
You can find our buprenorphine and Suboxone® clinics at locations across the United States. Our clinics have certifications and licensing from government authorities and CARF. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) recognizes providers dedicated to quality. Our ongoing evaluations from CARF help us exceed the industry’s standards of care.
We offer buprenorphine treatment in select locations. To learn more about our treatment centers, visit our contact page. You may also get in touch by calling 866.840.6658.
“I love MedMark Treatment Centers, everybody is super awesome. It’s almost like my home away from home.”
“Thank you to the whole team! I absolutely love the staff here at MedMark they have always been so open to talk anytime I need to, even when they are busy… they are the reason I have made this far.”
“The staff here at MedMark Treatment Centers are very friendly and helpful. I have felt welcomed here since day one.”
“This clinic has treated me with respect and more than I could ask for. They saved my life – it’s not if you fall, it’s who is there to pick you up.”
