You may be struggling to recover from your addiction to opioid painkillers or narcotics. We know this journey can be difficult and lonely. But you are not alone. Today we are going to talk about a very important special medication that doctors prescribe to help you through this difficult journey. If used correctly, it can be a great help in turning your life around for the better.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, it is a combination of two medications: Buprenorphine and Naloxone . It is used to treat opioid use disorder.
- Buprenorphine works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings when you suddenly stop using opioids, making it easier for you to overcome your addiction.
- The Naloxone part is intended to prevent this medicine from being misused (for example, as an injection). This means it helps to use it safely.
The most important thing is that it is difficult to be successful using this medicine alone. To get the best results, you must definitely resort to counseling and behavior therapy along with this medicine. Only when all of these come together can you win this battle.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is essential that your doctor is aware of your complete health status. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Disease or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Brain diseases | Brain tumor or serious head injury |
| Liver, gallbladder, pancreas | Liver disease, gallbladder disease, pancreatic disease |
| Heart disease | Heart disease or an irregular heartbeat |
| Respiratory system problems | Asthma or other breathing difficulties |
| Other addictions | Frequent drinking of alcohol or addiction to other drugs |
| Other medical conditions | Low adrenal gland function, seizures, intestinal problems, mouth sores |
| Other medications being taken | If you have taken an MAOI (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) medication in the past 14 days |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Buprenorphine, Naloxone or other medications or foods |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This comes as a dissolving film that dissolves when placed under the tongue or inside the cheek. Your doctor will tell you the correct way to use this.
1. Wet your mouth: Wet your mouth by taking a sip of water before taking the medicine.
2. Place in the correct location: As the doctor said, place this film under the tongue or on the inside of the cheek .
3. Avoid shaking: Don't move it around after storing it. Let it thaw on its own.
4. Do not cut, chew, or swallow: This film should not be cut, chewed, or swallowed. It should be completely dissolved and absorbed into the body.
5. If you have two doses of medication: If you have to take two films at once, wait until the first one has completely dissolved before taking the second one.
6. Take it on time: Get in the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
Important: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cause serious side effects.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you've taken too much medicine, take action immediately. This can be life-threatening.
- Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Or call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Do not stop taking the medication abruptly.
Your body gets used to this medicine. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have a severe reaction. So, do not stop without your doctor's advice. If you need to stop, he will gradually reduce the dose.
Be aware of Naloxone
Talk to your doctor about the risk of a life-threatening opioid overdose when taking this medicine. Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can be given in such emergencies. Ask your doctor how to get it and how to use it.
Drowsiness and dizziness
You may feel sleepy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore,
- Do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't stand or sit up suddenly. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Taking this medicine with alcohol can have dangerous effects.
Constipation and dental health
This medicine may cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, talk to your doctor. You may also experience dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help. Take special care of your dental health while taking this medicine. See your dentist regularly for a check-up.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | Usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists, here are some things to tell your doctor: |
|---|---|
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This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some medicines can interact with this medicine and cause dangerous side effects. This risk is especially high if you take it with alcohol or other medicines that make you sleepy (such as anti-anxiety medicines or sleeping pills).
Take-Home Message
- This is a treatment for opioid addiction, not a regular painkiller.
- Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor, exactly as prescribed. Never change the dose on your own.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place, especially out of the reach of children and pets .
- Be aware of the dangerous symptoms of overdose. In case of an emergency, go to an ETU immediately.
- Tell your doctor honestly about all other medications you take, alcohol, or drug use.
- You can get the best results from taking this medication along with other treatments, such as counseling. There are doctors and counselors to help you on this journey.
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