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Suboxone
is the first medication for opioid maintenance and detoxification
that physicians can dispense in their office. Suboxone
is a partial agonist that blocks the effects of other opioids. Suboxone interacts in similar, but significantly different ways, at the same
mu receptors in the brain where heroin, methadone, and prescription
pain relievers such as oxycontin initiate their effects. This distinctive
pharmacology gives Suboxone its safety margin and low potential
for diversion. It eliminates the major
motivation for opioid abuse by preventing withdrawal symptoms and
it produces less stimulation and physical dependence than full agonists.
It is administered sublingually. Subutex ® contains buprenorphine alone. This form of buprenorphine is used during the induction process and in special situations.
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