Can Suboxone Provide Pain Relief?

Suboxone is usually used when treating opioid addiction. Some people have been wondering whether Suboxone can be used for pain relief. We’ll look into the relationship between Suboxone and pain while explaining whether the medication is safe and if it’s a suitable option for you as a patient.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a compound medication. The medication contains naloxone and buprenorphine. Suboxone is mainly administered to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The naloxone present in Suboxone usually protects the patient and discourages misuse through an injection.

How Suboxone Works for Opioid Addicts

When you have an opioid addiction, the brain will use opioids to manage pain, mood, and different sensations instead of the hormones that your body produces naturally. You’ll become fully reliant on opioids, and when you fail to consume them, the withdrawal symptoms will be significant. Suboxone will activate the opioid receptors, and your brain will feel satisfied, and you won’t experience withdrawal symptoms any further. Like other buprenorphine medication, Suboxone will have a “ceiling effect,” which means the ability of the medication to cause euphoria will be limited depending on the amount you consume. For higher dosages, the effects won’t increase. The effect ensures patients will stay safe as they focus on recovering from opioid addiction.

How Does Suboxone Relieve Pain?

Opioid receptors usually manage the sensation of pain. When you activate the receptors using Suboxone, it is possible to relieve the pain. As per the research that scientists have conducted so far, the painkilling effects of Suboxone are promising. When compared to other painkillers used when treating opioid addiction, Suboxone involves:

  • Easier usage among patients and seniors that have renal issues
  • Minimal immune system suppression
  • More effective with neuropathic pain
  • Lower tolerance development
  • The ceiling effect will be lower for respiratory depression

The ceiling effect of Suboxone makes it safer to consume. The naloxone present in the medication will bring about some withdrawal effects that are unpleasant when you try to inject the medicine into your bloodstream, hence blocking the opioid effectiveness. The main advantage is that patients won’t be tempted to misuse the medication. If you need to relieve pain using opioids, some of the features will help to protect you.

Why is Suboxone Not Suitable for Pain Relief?

When you’re in pain, you’ll try anything to relieve the pain. You may mix different types of medication, and that may not be much of a good idea. For instance, when you mix alcohol and Suboxone, such a combination is fatal. The liver will metabolize the medication slowly, making it less efficient than different pain medications. The slow processing usually leads to people taking more Suboxone, and an overdose is risky.

When is Suboxone Appropriate for Chronic Pain?

If you’re part of a program that is medication-assisted, the doctor will monitor the Suboxone use. You need to liaise with the medic about the use of Suboxone for pain. For instance, a doctor may be assisting a woman in delivering through C-section. In this case, the doctor may be forced to raise the Suboxone dosage after the procedure. Before determining whether the dosage should be increased, you need to consult a doctor first, and they will advise you accordingly.

Can a Doctor Subscribe Suboxone for Pain?

Some medics usually issue off-label prescriptions for Suboxone. Since we’ve carried out some preliminary research, researchers can only weigh in on the matter once they carry out further research. The main focus is on whether Suboxone is recommended for treating chronic pain. To weigh in on the matter, it is important to better understand the uses of Suboxone. For now, when working with a trusted medic, you’ll be accorded the guidance you need. Some of the recommendations when administering Suboxone include:

  • The doctor can administer the Suboxone in divided doses. For instance, if you’re supposed to take 8mg a day, you can take half the dose twice daily. This helps with the pain more effectively.
  • The doctor can continue to administer Suboxone regularly, and they will increase the dose gradually. However, the doctor needs to monitor everything closely.

Final Thoughts

You need to follow the guidelines issued by the medic after they have prescribed Suboxone. You need to coordinate with the doctor since they need to understand everything about the medication you take. Call us today at 833-680-0165.