What Is Used For

What Is Suboxone Used For

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Suboxone is a prescription medication used primarily to treat opioid dependence or opioid use disorder (OUD)[1][2][3]. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist)[1][3][5]. Buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing the same intense high as full opioid agonists, while naloxone discourages misuse by triggering withdrawal if the medication is injected[1][3][5].

Suboxone helps people with opioid addiction to:

  • Reduce or eliminate opioid cravings[3][5]
  • Prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms[2][5]
  • Block the effects of other opioids if used concurrently, helping reduce relapse and misuse risk[3][5]

Suboxone is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that typically includes medical, psychological, and social support such as counseling and behavioral therapy[1][2][7]. It is available as a sublingual (under-the-tongue) film or tablet, and is usually prescribed for adults and adolescents over 15 years of age who have agreed to enter treatment[1][7]. The medication is often prescribed and managed by primary care providers and addiction specialists in office-based settings[3][5][6].

Suboxone should not be used in certain patients, including those with severe breathing difficulties, severe liver problems, or during acute alcohol intoxication[1]. Like all medications, Suboxone may cause side effects, with common ones including insomnia, constipation, nausea, sweating, headache, and withdrawal syndrome[1].

Suboxone is often considered the preferred medication for OUD because it is effective, has a lower risk of overdose compared to full opioid agonists, and helps support sustained recovery when combined with other treatment modalities[5][6].

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