Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Facts On Buprenorphine Memphis Residents Should Know

By Virginia Russell


Opioids are narcotics that are used for managing moderate to severe forms of pain. They are prescription only drugs in many countries. They are associated with dependence and are strongly addictive. They tend to be abused within and outside hospitals and stopping their use almost always leads to withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is a drug that can be used for managing these symptoms. If they wish to start taking buprenorphine Memphis residents should know a few things about the drug.

This drug is classified as a mixed opioid agonist-antagonists. This means that It can activate or inhibit the opioid receptors thus may cause opposing actions in different circumstances. To be more effective, the drug should not be used in isolation. Rather, it should be used alongside other methods of rehabilitation such as behavioural modification and counselling.

Other than its use in the management of withdrawal symptoms, the molecule is a strong analgesic agents just like the ordinary opioids. It is commonly used for the management of acute and chronic pain. The formulations that are available in the market include a skin patch a tablet and an injection. The route to be used is largely dependent on the underlying diagnosis.

If you are given the drugs to be used at home, you need to take time and read through the drug information sheet which usually accompanies it. Ensure that you understand all that is written and if you have any doubts, make a point of getting in touch with your doctor or pharmacist. The information sheet will inform you of how the drug should be taken and what you should look out for as side effects.

The tablet form of the is usually taken through the sublingual route (under the tongue). It should dissolve slowly and get absorbed into the bloodstream. On average, this takes between 5 and 10 minutes. The number of tablets given will depend on the severity of the symptoms of withdrawal. Currently, an injectable form of the drug for this indication is still under development and is likely to be approved in the near future. If approved, it will be administered once a month and weaned off gradually.

Following the instructions issued by the doctor is important for the drugs to achieve their effect. Swallowing the tablet instead of taking it sublingually will make it ineffective. Making it a suspension and injecting it into a vein is equally not helpful. In fact, this tends to worsen the withdrawal symptoms and is therefore, strongly discouraged.

The use of buprenorphine should only be considered when the withdrawal symptoms set in and not earlier. It is usually started within two days of stopping opioid use. Beyond that a form that is combined with naloxone is prescribed so as to discourage then use of the drug as an injection.

Buprenorphine has itself found to cause withdrawal symptoms especially if used regularly over a long period of time. Such symptoms may include a state of restlessness, sweating, a running nose, tearing and muscular pains among others. To minimize the risk of suffering these symptoms, it is recommended that the dose should be tapered gradually rather than stopped suddenly.




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