Buprenorphine and naxolone are common combination medications for patients with opioid use disorder. Medical professionals prescribe buprenorphine with naxolone as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan. They yield the most effective results when combined with counseling and other forms of personalized treatment and care.
Incorporating buprenorphine with naloxone makes the medication even safer. Still, both are independent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicines.
What Is Buprenorphine With Naloxone?
On its own, buprenorphine manages opioid withdrawal cravings and symptoms. It activates opioid receptors to fulfill the need for opiates with fewer adverse effects. It also limits the patient’s ability to get high with a “ceiling effect.” After repeated use, the feeling fades entirely.
Naloxone functions primarily to enhance the opioid-blocking characteristics of buprenorphine, which makes the medication even more effective. On its own, naloxone is most identifiable by its brand name, Narcan. It mainly removes opiates from receptors. When combined with buprenorphine, it lessens withdrawal symptoms, making treatment more manageable.
Advantages of the Combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone
When a medical professional prescribes buprenorphine with naloxone, they do so for the following benefits:
- Decreasing the likelihood of misuse: Taking buprenorphine and naloxone orally will ease the majority of withdrawal symptoms. However, taking the medication through injection will result in immediate and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
- Eliminating the effects of illicit opioids: This medication discourages the use of other opioids, as it will block their effects. Because of this blocking characteristic, people with substance use disorders are more likely to stay committed to their treatment plan.
- Increasing the odds of successful treatment: When combined with counseling and a healthy support system, this treatment option increases the likelihood that patients will experience long-lasting results.
Is Buprenorphine With Naloxone a Generic Suboxone®?
The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone is common in medicines used in MATs. For example, medical professionals call this medication a generic Suboxone® and an alternative form of Zubsolv®.
Because buprenorphine and naloxone are generic versions of name-brand medicines like Suboxone®, this option is more affordable than brand-name products. Even though buprenorphine and naloxone are available at lower prices, they have the same success as more expensive options.
Combining Buprenorphine and Naloxone With Treatment
Recovering from a substance use disorder, specifically, opioid use disorder may require professional medical help. If you’re a good candidate for MAT, your physician will conduct an assessment and based on the results will discuss the medication treatment options with you to make the best decision. Buprenorphine and naloxone — or other medications — have been noted to provide longer-lasting effectiveness in overcoming OUD when combined with counseling.
Participating in counseling as part of your personal treatment plan will ensure that you have the coping skills to manage the path of recovery when triggers and cravings arise.
Start Your Recovery at MedMark Treatment Centers
Remaining committed to recovery is a crucial step to improving your health. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you prioritize your well-being. Our goal is to help you reclaim your life and give help you create the support system you need to lead a life free from addiction.
We’ve been treating people with substance use disorders for over 50 years, so we understand how to tailor our treatment to your specific needs. If you want to learn more about our opioid treatment program, reach out to our team today or find a MedMark Treatment Centers location near you.
