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What Is Subutex? Subutex can be a useful tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. Ask your Subutex doctor if any Subutex generic options are available if you’re interested in receiving treatment with it.

By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: April 26, 2023

What Is Subutex?

Opioid addiction can be treated with Subutex pills, a prescription medication. A Subutex 8mg contains active buprenorphine and is the lowest dosage available. Subutex and Suboxone are related opioid pain relievers but are not identical.

What Is The Difference Between Suboxone And Subutex?

While Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, Subutex only contains buprenorphine. If you are looking for “Subutex doctors near me”, it’s important to note that you must find a licensed healthcare provider to prescribe this medication. To ensure you get the right care, looking for a “Subutex doctor near me” or a clinic nearby is advised.

Additionally, it’s crucial to comprehend the drug’s potential side effects and abuse risks if you’re thinking about getting Subutex treatment. Headache, nausea, and constipation are a few of the more typical Subutex side effects. Subutex abuse can occasionally result in addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose.

However, when used correctly and under the supervision of a qualified medical professional, Subutex can be a useful tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. Ask your Subutex doctor if any Subutex generic options are available if you’re interested in receiving treatment with it.

Suboxone Vs Subutex

Two frequently used drugs to treat opioid addiction are subutex and suboxone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that functions by attaching to the same brain receptors that opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or oxycodone bind to, is the active component of both drugs. There are some distinctions between Subutex and Suboxone, though.

The only ingredient in the pill form of Subutex is buprenorphine. It was the first drug for treating opioid addiction approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For some people, Subutex may be more accessible and more affordable because it doesn’t contain naloxone. It also carries a greater chance of abuse, though.

Contrarily, Suboxone is a combination drug that includes both buprenorphine and naloxone. Because naloxone can cause withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abused by crushing or injecting, adding it reduces the likelihood of abuse. Suboxone is available as a tablet or film that dissolves under the tongue.

Whats The Difference Between Subutex And Suboxone?

Adding naloxone to Suboxone is the primary distinction between it and Subutex. If someone is abusing opioids, naloxone can be used to counteract their effects and trigger withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone’s reduced potential for abuse, thanks to this additive, makes the drug more expensive and less widely available.

Use during pregnancy is another area where Subutex and Suboxone diverge. Studies have shown that the mother and the fetus are generally safe when Subutex treats opioid addiction during pregnancy. Newborns exposed to Suboxone have a higher risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so their condition may need closer observation.

What Is Subutex? Subutex can be a useful tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. Ask your Subutex doctor if any Subutex generic options are available if you're interested in receiving treatment with it.
What Is Subutex? Subutex can be a useful tool in the treatment of opioid addiction. Ask your Subutex doctor if any Subutex generic options are available if you’re interested in receiving treatment with it.

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Subutex Abuse Statistics

Subutex abuse is a serious issue affecting individuals who struggle with opioid addiction. Misusing this medication can lead to addiction, overdose, and other negative health outcomes. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of Subutex abuse can help healthcare providers and policymakers develop effective strategies to prevent and address this problem. In this article, we will explore the latest Subutex abuse statistics, including information on the demographics of those affected, the rates of abuse, and the consequences of Subutex misuse.


30,135

Emergency department visits related to buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Subutex) increased from 3,161 in 2005 to 30,135 in 2010.

Source: SAMHSA

637,000

In 2019, approximately 637,000 individuals aged 12 or older misused buprenorphine products (including Subutex) in the past year.

Source: NSDUH

27.4%

Among individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction, 27.4% reported misusing buprenorphine (including Subutex) in the past year.

Source: Journal of Addiction Medicine


Subutex Drug Facts

Subutex Overview

Subutex is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. This means that it can activate the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but to a lesser extent, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Subutex is taken as a sublingual tablet placed under the tongue to dissolve. While Subutex can be effective in treating opioid addiction, it can also cause side effects and has the potential for abuse and addiction. It should only be taken as directed by a healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe it.


Side Effects of Subutex

Subutex is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, but like many medications, it can cause side effects. Common side effects of Subutex include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, insomnia, and fatigue. If not taken as prescribed, less common side effects can include dizziness, blurred vision, slowed breathing, confusion, weakness, skin rash, severe allergic reaction, and withdrawal symptoms. These side effects may vary in severity and may require medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of Subutex Abuse

The signs and symptoms of Subutex abuse can include:

  • Taking higher doses than prescribed.
  • Using Subutex more frequently than prescribed.
  • Crushing, snorting, or injecting Subutex.
  • Seeking Subutex from multiple healthcare providers.
  • Continue using Subutex even when it’s no longer needed for medical purposes.
  • Spending a lot of time thinking about Subutex or obtaining it.
  • Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work due to Subutex use.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using Subutex.
  • Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of Subutex, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • Using Subutex despite negative consequences to personal relationships, finances, or legal problems.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Subutex abuse can lead to addiction and other negative health outcomes, but recovery is possible with the right treatment and support.

  1. Where Can I Go To Get Prescribed Subutex?

    Subutex requires a prescription from a doctor or other medical professional. To find a provider in your area, type “Subutex doctors near me” or “Subutex clinics near me” into a search engine.

  2. What is the Subutex Dosage?

    The initial dosage of Subutex is usually between 2 and 4 milligrams, and it can be increased to a daily maximum of 24 milligrams if necessary.

  3. What’s The Difference Between Suboxone And Subutex?

    The presence of naloxone in Suboxone is the main distinction between it and Subutex. If someone is abusing opioids, naloxone can be used to counteract their effects and trigger withdrawal symptoms. Both Subutex and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, but Suboxone also has naloxone.

  4. What are the Side Effects Of Subutex?

    Subutex’s most frequently reported adverse effects are headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, sweating, insomnia, and fatigue. Dizziness, blurred vision, slowed breathing, confusion, weakness, skin rash, severe allergic reaction, and withdrawal symptoms are some of the less common side effects if the medication is not taken as prescribed.

  5. What’s The Difference Between Suboxone Vs Subutex In Pregnancy?

    Studies have shown that the mother and the fetus are generally safe when Subutex treats opioid addiction during pregnancy. Newborns exposed to Suboxone have a higher risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so their condition may need closer observation.

  6. How To Get Subutex?

    Subutex requires a prescription from a qualified doctor to issue such a prescription before it can be obtained. To find a provider in your area, type “Subutex doctors near me” or “Subutex clinics near me” into a search engine.

  7. What Does Subutex Look Like?

    Subutex is a small white tablet with an arrow and the number “8” on one side.

  8. Can You Snort Subutex? Snorting Subutex

    Snorting Subutex is not recommended. Overdose, respiratory depression, and addiction are just a few dangers of snorting Subutex.

  9. Is it Hard to Find Subutex Clinics Near Me?

    Subutex clinic accessibility may change based on geographic location. However, if you look up “Subutex clinics near me,” you’ll be able to find doctors qualified to write prescriptions for this drug.

The orange Subutex tablet (orange subutex pill images) is designed to reduce the risk of abuse by making it difficult to crush or dissolve the tablet for injection or snorting. subutex pill
The orange Subutex tablet (orange subutex pill images) is difficult to crush or dissolve, thus decreasing the possibility of abuse employing injection or snorting.

Subutex Vs Methadone

In medication-assisted treatment (MAT), drugs like subutex and methadone help opioid-dependent patients manage their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While Subutex and methadone share some similarities, they differ in several ways.

The active ingredients in Subutex and methadone are one of their main distinctions. While methadone contains methadone hydrochloride, Subutex contains buprenorphine. Furthermore, methadone is only available as a brand-name drug, whereas Subutex is a generic drug.

The way that Subutex and methadone are administered is another distinction. Methadone is typically administered as a liquid or tablet that must be swallowed, whereas Subutex is a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue.

Subutex and methadone are not equivalent in their potential for abuse and overdose. Subutex, even at higher doses, is safer to overdose on than methadone. The orange Subutex tablet is specially formulated to make it more difficult to crush or dissolve the tablet for injection or snorting, thereby reducing the risk of abuse.

Subutex and methadone are effective MAT options, but which is better depends on your addiction, health, and preferences. Medical professionals can aid in the search for the most effective medication for each patient and provide subsequent care and counseling.

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Subutex Withdrawal

Subutex has therapeutic value for opioid addiction, but its misuse or abuse carries serious risks. Subutex abuse carries a high risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the use of any buprenorphine product, including generic Subutex 8mg, is suddenly discontinued.

Subutex withdrawal is a serious condition that can cause many uncomfortable physical and mental side effects. Extreme withdrawal symptoms may prompt a person to relapse or even attempt suicide. Additional risks, such as the spread of disease and other health complications, are associated with Subutex injection.

Social and economic costs are associated with Subutex addiction and withdrawal on top of the physical risks. Abusing Subutex can cause monetary issues, legal issues, and strained relationships. It also raises the potentially fatal risk of overdosing.

Subutex withdrawal and addiction management are complex processes requiring trained professionals’ assistance. Medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and other services are available from healthcare providers and addiction specialists to help individuals safely manage withdrawal and lessen the likelihood of relapse.

We Level Up NJ provides proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our medically-assisted detox program. Reclaim your life; call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. We will help you with Subutex withdrawal treatment options.
We Level Up NJ provides proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our medically-assisted detox program. Reclaim your life; call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. We will help you with Subutex withdrawal treatment options.

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Subutex Pills We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The condition known as Dual Diagnosis is commonly defined as the specialized treatment of an individual diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder concurrently. Managing dual-diagnosis patients is a crucial component of our inpatient therapeutic approach, as comorbid conditions are highly associated with substance misuse.

Formulating a comprehensive treatment regimen that tackles the physiological manifestations of withdrawal, the psychological correlation with substance abuse, and the effective management of underlying psychiatric conditions is integral to establishing favorable patient outcomes. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation reveals potential avenues for intervention. Consultation with mental health professionals and healthcare providers provides avenues for behavioral therapy and pharmacological intervention. Our dual diagnosis treatment center strives to deliver the highest quality of care at We Level Up.

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction. That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

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Subutex Withdrawal, Prescription Drug Abuse Informative Video

Jen’s Addiction Recovery Testimonial

“I wanted my life back. I was a shell of a person. I wanted to be trusted, I wanted relationships back that I lost, mainly my children and family. It started innocent enough, I got into a car accident and then I got kind of sucked into the whole, you know, medication issue with the pills. And before I knew it, I was in a cloud. I was sucked in by addiction and with my mind, I kept thinking it was OK because a doctor was prescribing this for me, a doctor was giving me this, a doctor was giving me that.

So, I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. Level Up supports my family and my relationships with my family and they’ve helped me grown as a person. When I first started there, I was so intimidated and kind of scared, you know? But, they’ve taught me, they’ve kind of taught me how to come into my own. And then, you know, when I get the call at the middle of the day from my twenty-one-year-old daughter, just to say ‘I love you, Mom.’, that’s amazing.”

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Search Subutex Uses, Withdrawal, Side Effects & Abuse Topics & Resources
Sources
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  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Synthetic Opioid Overdose Data: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/fentanyl.html
  3. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”): https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts
  4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Opioid-Overdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA18-4742
  5. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Emerging Trends: https://www.dea.gov/emerging-threats
  6. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Counterfeit Medicine: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams/counterfeit-medicine
  7. White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) – Drug Policy: https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/drug-policy/
  8. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Crisis: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/index.html
  9. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Substance Use Disorders: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-addiction/index.shtml
  10. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH): https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2018-nsduh-annual-national-report