Can u switch from methadone to suboxone?

Ahem, clears throat Have you ever been on the rollercoaster ride of withdrawal symptoms and cravings due to opioid addiction? Well, you’re not alone; it’s a wild ride that not many would voluntarily jump on.

The good news is that there are medications like Methadone and Suboxone which can help with managing these symptoms. But what if you’ve started taking methadone and want to try out suboxone instead? Is it possible or safe to make The Switch?

Let me give it to you straight – yes, making the switch is possible for most people but whether or not it’s safe depends on various factors. So let’s get into the details!

What exactly are Methadone and Suboxone?

Before we dive into switching medication (because I know your attention span might be quite short) let’s take a brief tour of what these meds actually do.

Methadone

Methadone is an opioid agonist that works by binding to the same receptors as opioids such as heroin in our brain. It then reduces withdrawal symptoms while also blocking any euphoria caused by other opiates taken afterwards so someone who had previously struggled with drug addiction does not have intense side effects after detoxing initially.

Apart from decreasing cravings for opioids, patients treated with methadone generally report improved overall functioning related to mood swings/ fluctuations in energy levels.

Suboxone

On the bright side unlike Meth check this fact-Suboxon ”Includes At least one non-addictive drug (buprenorphine) hence considered safer than taking pure opioide-based pills” Another ingredient called naloxene ensures there is no adverse respiratory depression when buprenorphine combined elements’ show-off their power against fight off harmful drugs effects / reducing its overdose potential

Moving on.

Why switch from Methadone to Suboxone?

Well, there are people who may not respond as well to methadone or even patients who have experienced unwanted side effects leading them to consider a change.

Suboxone also tends to be more convenient since it can be prescribed by qualified doctors and Nurses in outpatient settings unlike Methadone that requires daily attendance at the clinic for administering doses

Additionally suboxon is perceived/certified safer than meth’s dependency reduces gradually upto 90 days later with little adverse reactions therefore minimizing relapse odds of previous opioid users

But before you go ahead DO NOT try this out if your doctor has not authorized it/however good an idea it might seem during sleepless night or hazy state

However, switching poses some risks too

The Risks Of Switching From Methadone To Suboxone

It’s important that the patient strictly complies (subtle hint: You must stick with what the doc prescribes) with recommendations from their qualified pharmacist/physician when preparing for such withdrawals.

In fact Drug dependence developed following usage of opioids needs keen re-evaluation from psychiatrist concerning underlying disease conditions /attitude towards treatment

Nevertheless It can involve tapering down dose medicines slowly , weighing each medication’s benefits vis-a-viz its potential ill-effects – Always take instructions given by medical personnel seriously because everyone substitutes differently psychosocially & physically

Important warning! If someone switches medications without first consulting their healthcare provider they run risk endangering oneself hence creating severe health issues .

Now these include:

• Precipitated withdrawal (severe withdrawal symptoms kick off immediately once Buprenorphine administered) which occurs if switched before waiting recommended timeline after stoppage and commencement of new medication
• Unsuitable dosage size…consuming incomplete buprenorphine amount needed/intended into bloodstream accelerate cause unpleasant hyperactivity/nervousness
• Overdose …because apparently some individuals (more so newcomers) can try to get High as they used to with higher opioide amounts than required
• Changes in hormone of Human physiology and other physiological markers related new medication that could lead someone’s body reacting abnormally except instead of correcting earlier worst symptoms

To avoid these pitfalls, a doctor must be involved in the process.

The switch is not always suitable considering factors such as intolerable side effects while taking Suboxone compared to methadone being more manageable

Once again I remind you – this is not something you should just do simply because “you feel like it”.

When Should You Make The Switch To Suboxone?

When Methadone dose becomes ineffective at reducing withdrawal/severe cravings for opioids OR dosage has lapsed therefore triggering more problems. There are times when methadone patients have had their doses decreased before switch even if large strength may inhibit sub effectivity

How Do You Switch From Methadone To Suboxone?

Now the million dollar question: How exactly do you make the transfer from one medication?

Here’s what your doc/pharm will most definitely advise:

TAPERING OFF METHADONE

Tapering basically means making sure there’s leeway time until it reaches safe switching point mostly due to possibility of precipitated withdrawals mentioned earlier. Patient reduces daily quantity gradually over period weeks following qualified psychiatrist guidelines .This enables smooth transition hence minimal chances experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

SWITCH OVER PERIOD BETWEEN TWO MEDICATIONS
Once a person attains a stable low enough dosage level , close monitoring by licensed practitionerr begins during crossfade involving both drugs simultaneously ,
At this instant continue on exact amount given daily combined with initially very small quantities buprenorphine.
Because Buprenorphine forces opiates attached receptor sites early into changeover periods take medical professional’s advice on wait time before switching

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms that can arise during this process such as intense opiate cravings, sweating, and stomach issues; all of which should disappear eventually over a few weeks.

So what’s the bottom line?

Switching from Methadone to Suboxone is indeed possible but only under medical care – PLEASE DO NOT self-diagnose or medicate yourself based on information found online unless given consent by drs.

To minimize risks , detoxification using lifestyle change programs /prescribed drugs initially recommended
Quitting opiates addiction requires significant effort,self-motivation and discipline therefore consider joining support groups/ seeking psychological counseling services while in recovery.

Still have questions? Consult your qualified physician ASAP who will answer these more exactingly depending individual cases because everyone has unique health history.
If you’ve tried making The Switch already with no help previously hopefully after reading this article now you know better how best to do it yaay!

Stay safe folks!