Buprenorphine Doctors

Buprenorphine has been known to be a powerful treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). It is an effective medication that can help reduce cravings and the intensity of withdrawal symptoms among those suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

Buprenorphine doctors are specialized medical professionals trained to prescribe buprenorphine as part of an OUD treatment program. They are knowledgeable in the use, safety, and efficacy of buprenorphine when treating OUD. Buprenorphine doctors are trained to determine if an individual is a good candidate for treatment with the medication. They can also provide comprehensive care and support to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care.

In this blog, we will discuss what buprenorphine is, how it works, what forms it comes in, its potential side effects and misuse potential, and safety precautions to consider when taking buprenorphine. We will also discuss how patients can find qualified buprenorphine doctors certified to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD treatment.

Let's get started.

Buprenorphine Doctors Near You

What Is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It is an opioid partial agonist, which attaches to and partially activates the same receptors in the brain as other drugs, such as heroin and morphine. But the effects of buprenorphine are much weaker, so it reduces the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use.

Because of its unique properties, buprenorphine can be used safely and effectively for the long-term treatment of OUD. It is available by prescription only as it is a controlled substance, so it must be prescribed by a buprenorphine doctor who is certified and trained in its use.

Buprenorphine comes in several forms, such as tablets, sublingual films, and injectable solutions. It can also be combined with other medications, such as naloxone, to reduce the potential for misuse.

How Buprenorphine Works?

Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers. However, it has a much lower impact on these receptors than other opioids, providing relief from withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria or high. That makes buprenorphine a safer and more effective treatment for opioid use disorder. It also significantly lowers the risk of overdose.

Buprenorphine works by blocking other opioids from binding to these receptors, which reduces cravings and helps prevent relapse. It is important to note that buprenorphine only works when taken as prescribed and should not be abused or misused. People who take buprenorphine for OUD should do so under the care of a qualified doctor, such as a buprenorphine doctor.

Buprenorphine doctors are specially trained to prescribe and monitor buprenorphine use for OUD treatment. They can provide personalized medical care and guidance on safely taking buprenorphine. They can also assess whether buprenorphine is the proper treatment for you and provide additional support such as counseling, therapy, or referrals to other resources as needed.

Treatment with buprenorphine typically involves monthly appointments with a doctor, or another buprenorphine prescriber, who specializes in addiction medicine. During these visits, the doctor reviews the patient's medical history and opioid use, discusses any needed adjustments to dosing amounts and schedules, and monitors their overall progress. With the right doctor, buprenorphine can be essential to OUD treatment plans for many individuals.

What Forms Does Buprenorphine Come In?

Buprenorphine comes in several forms, wherein each is designed for different purposes. The most common forms of buprenorphine include tablets, sublingual films, and injectable solutions.

Tablets are designed to be placed under the tongue until it is dissolved. Likewise, the sublingual film is a thin strip that dissolves under the tongue for fast-acting relief. Injectable solutions are usually used in a hospital setting and are designed to relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms temporarily.

Buprenorphine is also a main ingredient in many combination medications approved by the FDA for treating OUD, such as Suboxone, Subutex, and Zubsolv, to name a few.

Suboxone: A combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, Suboxone is a popular treatment option for OUD. Naloxone helps to deter misuse by blocking the effects of opioids.

Subutex: This medication contains only buprenorphine and is also used to treat opioid use disorder. It can be easier to obtain than Suboxone, as it doesn’t contain naloxone.

Zubsolv: This combination medication contains buprenorphine and naloxone in the same dosage strengths as Suboxone. However, it is designed to be fast-acting and has a higher bioavailability than other buprenorphine medications.

Common and Serious Side Effects of Buprenorphine

 Like all medications, buprenorphine can cause side effects. According to SAMHSA, typical side effects may include:

• Constipation

• Headache, nausea, and vomiting

• Dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue

• Excessive sweating

• Dry mouth

• Tooth decay

• Muscle and body aches

• Insomnia

• Fever

• Blurred vision

• Tremors

• Palpitations

• Shorter attention span

Other severe side effects of buprenorphine include:

• Respiratory depression (decreased breathing)

• Adrenal insufficiency

• Low blood pressure

• Allergic reactions

• Dependence and withdrawal

• Pain at the injection site

• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

• Seizure

It is crucial to talk to your buprenorphine doctor about any potential side effects and if you experience anything severe or persistent.

Buprenorphine Misuse Potential

Due to its opioid nature, buprenorphine has the potential for misuse. Buprenorphine is abused by crushing, chewing, or snorting the tablet form of the medication, smoking it, or injecting it intravenously. Taking the medication in any way other than prescribed can lead to many serious consequences, including death.

Remember, buprenorphine is a controlled substance classified as a Schedule III drug. That means the medication is only available with a doctor’s prescription and should never be used without the approval of an addiction specialist.

Safety Precautions When Taking Buprenorphine

When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is generally safe and well tolerated. However, it is vital always to take the medication responsibly and adhere to a few key safety precautions:

• Take your buprenorphine precisely as prescribed by your doctor

• Store the medication safely in a secure location away from children and pets

• Do not share or give your medicine to anyone else 

• Do not crush, chew, or snort buprenorphine tablets

• Do not take buprenorphine with other opioids or alcohol

• Monitor for signs of an overdose, such as shallow breathing, confusion, and extreme drowsiness

• Seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects or an overdose

• If you have liver problems or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking buprenorphine

By following these safety precautions and adhering to the directions of your buprenorphine doctor, you can maximize the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing risks.

The Role of Buprenorphine Doctors Against Opioid Use Disorder

Buprenorphine doctors play an integral role in combating the opioid epidemic. By providing safe and effective treatment options, they help individuals suffering from opioid use disorder achieve long-term recovery.

Through the proper prescription of buprenorphine, these dedicated and knowledgeable healthcare professionals can provide access to life-changing medications that can help individuals become and stay opioid-free.

Get the Help You Deserve

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder, know that effective options are available for treatment and recovery. Buprenorphine doctors are specially trained in the latest evidence-based treatments and can provide personalized care to help you get on the path to sustained recovery.

Don't wait another day. Reach out and get the help that you deserve. Find a buprenorphine doctor near you today by searching through SuboxoneDoctor.com.