Does Suboxone Help With Pain?

Managing work, family, and social obligations can be challenging when you struggle with chronic pain. It may be a lot to handle. So you may wonder if Suboxone could help take the edge off.

One common question providers get is, “Does Suboxone help with pain?” This blog post will examine what Suboxone is and how it might help with your pain management.

What Is Suboxone?

Before deep diving into Suboxe and whether or not it is an effective pain treatment, let's discuss what Suboxone is. Suboxone is an effective treatment for opioid addiction. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.

 Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist which reverses the effects of opioids and opioid withdrawal. Together, these two active ingredients help people struggling with opioid dependence or opioid addiction by reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Can You Use Suboxone to Manage Pain?

Suboxone is integral to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). While used for addressing OUD, Suboxone has been used to manage chronic pain. However, Suboxone cannot be used as a standalone treatment for pain and should only be used under the supervision of a certified Suboxone doctor and in collaboration with other forms of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and aftercare programs. While Suboxone may be effective in treating pain, it is not FDA-approved for treating chronic pain.

The Relationship Between Suboxone and Substance Use Disorder

Chronic pain is long-lasting that lasts for more than 12 weeks despite taking medication or undergoing physical therapy. Chronic pain is something that an individual could live with for the rest of their lives which can worsen over time.

Substance use disordermay result from chronic pain due to how our brains react to pain. When we experience pain, our body releases endorphins as a form of self-medication to ease the discomfort.

 However, for some people experiencing chronic pain, their bodies might not produce enough endorphins. As a result, some turn to opioids to manage their pain. Others even self-medicate, resulting in OUD.

The Ceiling Effect of Suboxone

Buprenorphine is one of the two active ingredients of Suboxone. As an opioid partial agonist, it binds to the opioid receptors in your brain. Doing so prevents other opioids from binding to these same opioid receptors.

 Buprenorphine has a so-called "ceiling" effect. The ceiling effect stops opioid cravings and pain signals, allowing you to feel some pain relief still, but not enough to get you high off the medication. Once you reach the ceiling effect, taking more Suboxone will not lead to any significant impact – the effects of the medicine on your body reach a plateau.

Suboxone as Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Suboxone treatment is a dual-diagnosis treatment that ensures the patient’s safety in and out of the facilities. It is an integral part of MAT that combines medication with behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral and physical therapy, to treat chronic pain and substance abuse disorders. When strictly followed and complied with, Suboxone treatment can lead to a life free from withdrawal symptoms, pain, and addiction.

How Does Suboxone Work for Opioid Use Disorder?

A daily dose of Suboxone comes in an oral film that dissolves under the tongue or in the cheek. It is generally taken once a day. Your Suboxone doctor may increase or decrease your dosage, depending on your needs.

 Suboxone helps treat OUD due to its unique properties. As a partial mu-opioid agonist, Suboxone prevents the patient from feeling high while also taking away some withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting opioids. These properties make Suboxone an attractive treatment option for opioid-dependent patients with chronic pain and addiction.

How Does Suboxone Relieve Pain?

There are different ways Suboxone can benefit those suffering from chronic pain. It may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, detoxification, and long-term maintenance. Suboxone may provide the following for those who may need it for pain relief:

• Less immune system suppression

• Easier usage among seniors and patients with renal issues

• Lower tolerance development

• Better effectiveness with neuropathic pain

• A lower ceiling effect for respiratory depression

These effects may not be experienced by everyone, as each person will react differently to Suboxone. However, if you are seeking help for pain management, you should talk to your doctor about using Suboxone as part of your treatment plan.

Consulting Your Physician 

Suboxone may help manage chronic pain. However, there are serious side effects that may come with it. Suboxone may cause severe side effects as it interacts with other medications.

 You must consult your doctor about your medical history, physical dependence, and possible side effects to see if Suboxone is the proper medication.

 You must also remember that the liver metabolizes buprenorphine exceptionally slowly. The slow process could cause the patient to take more buprenorphine to self-medicate, which could lead to addiction or overdose.

When Should Suboxone Be Used for Chronic Pain

Suboxone is usually appropriate for those actively addicted to opioids and seeking treatment to get clean. However, in some cases, doctors will prescribe Suboxone as part of a pain management plan for those suffering from chronic pain that can range from different pain levels, such as mild to severe pain.

 While Suboxone is not a painkiller, it can be used with other medications to help you manage your chronic pain and drug abuse. When you are having trouble with day-to-day life due to these chronic pain, it can be ideal for them to undergo Suboxone treatment as prescribed and instructed by healthcare professionals and healthcare providers in specialized treatment centers.

Can My Doctor Prescribe Suboxone for Pain?

While not FDA-approved for treating chronic pain, there are some instances where your provider may offer Suboxone as a solution for chronic pain. However, Suboxone is not an over-the-counter drug. A certified Suboxone doctor can only prescribe it as it can lead to potential abuse.

 You must seek medical care from a certified professional who will help you decide on what chronic pain management suits your needs. There are qualified Suboxone doctors in your area or online that can help manage your chronic or severe pain and withdrawal symptoms.

Manage Your Chronic Pain and Manage Your Addiction with SuboxoneDoctor.com

At SuboxoneDoctor.com, we take pride in ensuring that all the information is accurate, helpful, and up to date. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your chronic pain condition. We have qualified Suboxone doctors in all areas of the United States.

We create a tailor-made treatment plan to match your needs. Our certified and compassionate medical professionals will support you as we manage your chronic pain and drug addiction. Visit SuboxoneDoctors.com.