What is Suboxone?

Buprenorphine/naloxone, sold under the brand name Suboxone, is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of two medications: buprenorphine, an opioid medication, and naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist, which means it activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as oxycodone or heroin. However, buprenorphine is a partial agonist, which means it activates the receptors to a lesser extent than full agonists like oxycodone or heroin. This means that it can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria or sedation as other opioids.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors in the brain without activating them. If someone takes buprenorphine/naloxone and then uses an opioid, the naloxone will block the effects of the opioid, which can prevent an overdose.

Suboxone is used to treat opioid addiction as part of a comprehensive treatment program that may include counseling and other support services. It is typically taken as a film that is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Suboxone can be a helpful tool in the treatment of opioid addiction, but it is not a cure and should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program.