11390 east Via Linda Suite 103 Scottsdale, AZ 85259
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Opioid Detox
Opiates have been used throughout history for the medicinal purpose of pain control. When used properly, they are highly effective and beneficial.
Opioid Detox
Opiates are substances derived from the Opium poppy or synthetic analogues that have similar effects. Some common examples of common opiates include morphine, heroin, percocet, demerol, oxycodone, methadone and tramadol.
What are Opioids
Opiates have been used throughout history for the medicinal purpose of pain control. When used properly, they are highly effective and beneficial. But, unfortunately, they may also be highly addictive and are one of the most addictive drugs known to humankind. Once they get a grip on you, opiates seem never to let go, leaving complete destruction and death in their wake.
Opioid use disorder and opioid addiction remain at epidemic levels in the United States and worldwide.
Once believed limited to an inner city drug, opioid users and addicts can now be found in the suburbs, rural areas, and every state in the country. Though the medical establishment has been seeking solutions for over a century, more than three million U.S. citizens and 16 million individuals worldwide have had or currently suffer from opioid use disorder (2022).
Compounding the situation, for anyone taking opiates regularly, nerve receptors adapt and begin to resist the drug, causing the need for higher doses. This process leads to a physical withdrawal reaction which occurs when the drug leaves the body and receptors must re-adapt to its absence. In other words, withdrawal symptoms result when the person stops taking the drugs. Therefore, withdrawal from opiates can occur whenever any chronic use is discontinued or reduced.
Questions about Buprenorphine, Suboxone, & Subutex
Medical X provides safe and confidential detox services to anyone seeking help for withdrawals from opiates. In addition, we can provide medication-assisted treatment to help with the acute symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Medications are used in detoxification to assist with withdrawal symptoms and increase the patient’s chances of long-term recovery. These medications are used temporarily until the patient is stabilized and transitioned to comfort and relapse-prevention medications. Relapse-prevention medications may be used for six months to a year, increasing the probability of long-term recovery.
1. What are Buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Subutex?
Subutex and Suboxone are medications approved for the treatment of opiate dependence. Both medicines contain the active ingredient buprenorphine hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms of opiate dependence.
June 14, 2018
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film (applied under the tongue) for the treatment of opioid dependence.
2. Why did the FDA approve these medications?
Subutex contains only buprenorphine hydrochloride. This formulation was developed as the initial product. The second medication, Suboxone, includes an additional ingredient called naloxone to guard against misuse. Subutex is sometimes given during the first few days of treatment, while Suboxone may be used during the maintenance phase of treatment.
3. Will most prescriptions be for the Suboxone formulation?
This will be discussed at your initial appointment. Many factors assist our physician in deciding the best medication for each patient.
4. How are Subutex and Suboxone different from methadone?
Buprenorphine products are the first narcotic drugs available under the Drug Abuse Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000 for the treatment of opiate dependence that can be prescribed in a doctor’s office. This change will provide more patients with the opportunity to access treatment.
5. What are some possible side effects of Subutex and Suboxone?
The most commonly reported side effect of Subutex and Suboxone include:
- Cold or flu-like symptoms including
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Sleeping difficulties
- Nausea
- Mood swings
Like other opioids, Subutex and Suboxone have been associated with respiratory depression (difficulty breathing), especially when combined with other depressants.
6. Are patients able to take home supplies of these medicines?
Yes. Subutex and Suboxone are less controlled than methadone because they have a lower potential for abuse and are less dangerous regarding a possible overdose.
7. What is Sublocade?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Sublocade, the first once-monthly injectable buprenorphine product for the treatment of moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder (OUD) in adult patients who have initiated treatment with a transmucosal (absorbed through mucus membrane) buprenorphine-containing product. It is indicated for patients on a stable dose of buprenorphine treatment for a minimum of seven days.
How Medication is Administered
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is an FDA-approved, branded version of injectable Naltrexone.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine & Naltrexone) Treatment
Suboxone is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of opiate addiction. At Medical X, we use a maintenance and taper approach to assist the effective detoxification process from opioid dependency.
Sublocade (Buprenorphine Extended-Release)
Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release) injection is given every 28 days.
Oral Medication
IV and IM Medications
Medical X
Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
Weekends: Optional
480-219-0055
