Suboxone Treatment: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: How effective is suboxone treatment for opiate addiction?

(Posted by: Cher E on 2008-09-17 22:38:04)

My nephew has been addicted to oxycodone for almost five years. He claims he takes between 120 and 150mgs every 4 or 5 hours. He also crushes Oxycontin and snorts it when he can get it. He was on methadone for a year and did not tell anyone that he was high as a kite on methadone. Once his dosage was reduced, he relapsed and started with the oxycodone again. This has cost him a small fortune, not to mention what it has done to his mental and physical well being. He is now going to try Suboxone treatment. I have read the information on Suboxone. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had experience with suboxone treatment, good or bad. Addiction is a nasty disease, and I am well aware that it is a family probem. He tells me he became addicted to Percocet after having dental work done, and in no time he was taking large amounts of oxycodone. He is now desperate. He has lost his job and cannot afford rapid detox. Any input would be appreciated.

Posted by: Snout on 2008-09-17, 23:04:15

It's not a bad option, particularly if he was getting too high on therapeutic doses of methadone. Suboxone is not as potent in its opioid effects as methadone, and in therapeutic doses partly blocks the opiate receptors of the brain, making using additional opioids unrewarding. He seems to be taking very large doses of oxycodone, though: suboxone may not be potent enough to control his cravings. He will need a lot of support, especially in the initial stages.