Subutex Doctors in Lexington, KY

The FDA indication for Subutex is for it to be used to treat opioid dependence as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes psychosocial support and counseling. It is only administered sublingually (a tablet placed under the tongue) and is available in a tablet through either a 2mg or 8mg dose of buprenorphine. Subutex should be administered once daily and will often be prescribed alongside naloxone to ensure that patients have naloxone available because Suboxone is prescribed for those suffering from an opioid use disorder and has the potential for relapse, putting them at risk for an opioid overdose. There are many potential side effects and risks so Suboxone comes with a variety of warnings and precautions that should be reviewed at the time of prescription and during a consultation between the healthcare provider and the patient.

Subutex contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, which belongs to a class of drugs called mixed opioid agonist-antagonists and is effective in preventing withdrawal symptoms that result from stopping other opioids. While it can also be prescribed as a pain medication, the primary use of Subutex is to treat people with opioid drug dependence, helping these individuals safely withdraw from using the opioid on which they are dependent. Buprenorphine is a safe replacement for opioids as it helps to reduce the negative effects that are experienced during withdrawal and causes much less harm than other opioid drugs. It works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors (for about 12 hours at a time) to provide individuals with long-lasting relief from withdrawal symptoms (or pain when used as a strong pain medication). Since buprenorphine is a less harmful drug, using Subutex reduces the risk of overdose and death even if taken in excessive quantities, making it a safe and effective option and making it easier for those with an opioid use disorder to effectively receive the treatment they need.

The primary reason why a physician prescribes Subutex to patients is to treat opioid use disorder due to its ability to bind to the opioid receptors in the brain, effectively blocking withdrawal symptoms caused by other opioids such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It is one of several opioid medications available for prescription but is only provided for opioid use disorders alongside a full treatment plan that includes other therapies to ensure that the patient has the professional support and treatment they may need. Subutex can also be prescribed for short-term pain relief for severe, acute pain. However, due to the range and severity of risks involved with opioids, buprenorphine included, Subutex is only prescribed for pain management if other pain medications have not been sufficient or suitable for the patient’s situation. Other versions of buprenorphine may be prescribed instead of Subutex, such as Suboxone, with physicians prescribing whichever medication would be most appropriate for each patient.

In most cases, the recommended frequency at which Subutex should be taken is once daily, with the dose being anywhere from 4 milligrams to 24 milligrams. Some patients may be prescribed to take the sublingual tablet twice daily, once every 12 hours, every second day, or even less frequently, depending on the individual needs of each patient. Patients who receive a prescription for Subutex will need to continue taking it as frequently as recommended until they no longer experience a strong urge or feel tempted to turn to opioid drugs. This means that some patients may need to continue taking Subutex for the rest of their lives. It will be up to the healthcare provider, who is considering the preferences, goals, and any experienced side effects of the patient, to determine how long they will continue to receive their prescription for Subutex.

Subutex is a medication used in a treatment program for opioid-dependent patients, containing buprenorphine hydrochloride, to help them overcome their medical condition. If you are looking for Subutex treatment, come to Invictus4Core. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3150 Custer Dr Suite 101, Lexington, KY 40517. We serve patients from Lexington KY, Picadome KY Nicholasville KY, Keene KY, Georgetown KY, Brannon Woods KY, and all other surrounding areas in Kentucky.