Suboxone Doctor in Orlando Dr. Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. is a top suboxone doctor in Orlando, Florida. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, and Dr. Hoffman uses it to treat opioid addiction. It is used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in people recovering from addictions to heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl. Suboxone Doctor in Orlando (Central Florida) Suboxone is a combination opioid partial agonist-antagonist drug. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a mild opioid analgesic that has partial agonist activity. It can be used alone to treat mild to moderate levels of physical pain. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. The combined medication binds to opioid receptors to block the activity of any opioid agonists that the patient might come in contact with or take. The formulation called Suboxone became available in 2002 and was approved by the FDA for the treatment of narcotic addiction. This became the first drug since methadone that could effectively manage patients with opioid addiction. Suboxone is usually prescribed as part of a larger treatment program for opioid addiction, which may include counseling and other support services. It is typically taken as a sublingual film or tablet placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. It is usually taken once or twice daily, depending on the prescription. Suboxone is a relatively safe and effective medication for treating opioid addiction. It can help reduce the risk of relapse and overdose and has been shown to improve people’s overall quality of life in recovery. However, like any medication, it is not without potential risks and side effects. Some common side effects of Suboxone include dizziness, headache, constipation, and nausea. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing instructions and to notify a healthcare provider if any adverse reactions occur. Suboxone is a controlled substance and is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. It is not appropriate for everyone and is not a stand-alone treatment for addiction. It should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and other support services. What Suboxone Users Should Know Over the short-term, Suboxone acts like a depressant in the body by slowing a person’s mentation and vital signs. It is relatively long-acting with side and therapeutic effects lasting up to three days. It is also considered to have fewer adverse effects than methadone. As a pain reliever, Suboxone is about 20 to 30 times more effective than morphine. It has fewer euphoric effects than full agonist medications like morphine. Users may feel a sense of well-being, decreased stress and relaxation when taking the drug. Suboxone can decrease withdrawal symptoms from heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl. It is helpful for patients who sincerely want to stop taking these substances but don’t want to face the side effects of withdrawal or cravings. When a person is prescribed Suboxone to treat opioid addiction, the drug levels can be carefully monitored. The drug can also be gradually withdrawn as the patient becomes more emotionally and physically capable of stopping their opioid drug use. Suboxone was once available as a sublingual pill. It is now most often used as a sublingual film or strip. It can be placed under the tongue or on the side of the cheek so that it dissolves quickly without having to swallow anything with water. Risks of Suboxone Suboxone is not without risk. It cannot be taken with alcohol or benzodiazepines, or other depressant drugs. The combination of these drugs and Suboxone can lead to lethargy, respiratory depression and even death from cardiorespiratory collapse. While Suboxone is used in addiction management of opioid dependence, it can lead to its own dependence and tolerance. Stopping the drug has minor side effects that include joint pain, insomnia, diarrhea, jitters, irritability and dilated pupils. Suboxone can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in a patient who has already taken heroin or another strong opioid drug if taken too soon after the last dose of the full agonist opioid. Long-term abuse or misuse of Suboxone includes physical and psychological consequences. Physical side effects of long-term abuse include: Constipation Nausea and vomiting Sleepiness Confusion and disorientation Decreased pain tolerance Psychological side effects of long-term abuse include: Anxiety Feelings of social isolation Social difficulties Increased chance of depression Pros and Cons of Suboxone Pros of taking Suboxone: Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms: Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which is an opioid medication that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people who are trying to stop using opioids. Prevents overdose: Suboxone also contains naloxone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids. This can help prevent overdose, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening risk for people struggling with opioid addiction. Improves quality of life: Suboxone can help improve the overall quality of life for people in recovery from opioid addiction. It can reduce the risk of relapse, which can help people maintain their sobriety and improve their relationships, work, and overall well-being. Can be taken at home: Suboxone is typically prescribed as a film or tablet that can be taken at home, which can be convenient for people who are busy or have transportation issues. Cons of taking Suboxone: Requires a prescription: Suboxone is a controlled substance and is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This may be inconvenient for some people. Potential for abuse: While Suboxone is generally considered to have a low risk of abuse, it is still an opioid medication and can be misused. Follow the prescribed dosing instructions and to notify a healthcare provider if there are any concerns. Potential side effects: Like any medication, Suboxone can cause side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, constipation, and nausea. It is critical to notify a healthcare provider if any adverse reactions occur. Not a stand-alone treatment: Suboxone is not a stand-alone treatment for addiction. It should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and other support services. Suboxone Prescription in Florida In Florida, Suboxone is a controlled substance and can only be prescribed by a healthcare provider who is certified to prescribe it. This includes doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have completed the necessary training and certification through the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000. In Florida, it is illegal to possess or use Suboxone without a valid prescription. It is also illegal to sell or distribute Suboxone without a valid license. Violation of these laws can result in criminal charges and potential penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It is important to note that Suboxone should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. It is not appropriate for everyone and is not a stand-alone treatment for addiction. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing instructions and to notify a healthcare provider if any adverse reactions occur.