Sublocade is an injection taken monthly of buprenorphine and it is used for treating an opioid disorder. Sublocade is given as an injection once a month and is used to prevent relapse for people who have become addicted to opioids such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone. It is the first treatment of its kind that was approved by the FDA and has shown encouraging results as a maintenance therapy drug for opioid abuse and dependence.
What Does Sublocade Do Exactly?
A Sublocade shot works by releasing buprenorphine slowly over time. The concentration stays stable in the blood and causes constant stimulation of the body’s opioid receptors. The main ingredient, which is called buprenorphine, is a partial opioid receptor agonist. This means that it binds to the same receptors that opioids do. Buprenorphine is long-lasting than most opioid drugs and does not give the intense euphoric sensation that they produce either. Its job is to prevent withdrawal symptoms from opioids, allow patients to wean off of opioids slowly to avoid withdrawal pain, and also get rid of opioid cravings. Sublocade does get rid of opioid cravings. Cravings are a major reason why many people go back to using opioid drugs even after they have completed withdrawal from their drug of choice. This makes Sublocade so helpful for long-term use. Sublocade is a buprenorphine maintenance drug that can be used for as long as the patient needs to use it. As long as the user can remain stable and does not relapse, they can continue to use this for treatment. Opioid dependence is a chronic problem that people must live with. This means a person can be used indefinitely if needed.
Sublocade Possible Adverse Effects
One issue is that Sublocade can be abused, like any other drug that stimulates a person’s opioid receptors. Due to this potential for abuse, this drug is tightly controlled. While abuse is always a possibility, it is very unlikely that a person can overdose on Sublocade. This is because Sublocade stops having an increased effect once a certain dosage has been hit. Sublocade, just like any other medication, also has some side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Pain at the injection site
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Constipation
If you or someone you love have become dependent on one or more opioid drugs, starting a medically assisted treatment program that includes Sublocade can inspire and empower you to have a healthy recovery and long sobriety. This medication has worked successfully for many people because it allows them to advance through the recovery process without having painful withdrawal symptoms or drug cravings.
Addiction Rehab for Opiate Abuse
At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we offer partial care and outpatient treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Opioid addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If opioid addiction is left untreated, the chances of fatality continuously increase. If you or someone you love has been struggling with opioid addiction, please feel free to give us a call today. We will discuss treatment options, and do our best to point you in the right direction. Now is the time to turn your life around. Let us help you do it.
