Suboxone Strips and Sublocade Injection: Can They Be Used Together Safely?

The use of both Suboxone strips and Sublocade injections in treating opioid dependence has been a topic of interest among healthcare professionals and individuals in recovery. Both medications are part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a method designed to help individuals overcome opioid addiction. However, the question arises: what would happen if a person is on Sublocade injection and takes Suboxone strips? This article aims to clarify the effects, risks, and advice regarding the concurrent use of these two medications.

Understanding Sublocade and Suboxone

Sublocade is a once-monthly injection that delivers a continuous dose of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, to manage cravings and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Suboxone, on the other hand, is a sublingual formulation containing buprenorphine combined with naloxone, a medication that negates the effects of opioids if taken intravenously. Suboxone is used both for maintenance therapy and to treat acute opioid detoxification.

Safety and Effectiveness of Concurrent Use

From a medical standpoint, the concurrent use of Suboxone strips and Sublocade injections is unlikely to produce adverse effects. In fact, a typical dose of Sublocade already delivers blood levels that surpass the ceiling effect of buprenorphine. Therefore, taking additional Suboxone strips will likely not produce any significant changes in blood levels or additional therapeutic benefits. Instead, the person might experience a placebo effect or no change at all.

Psychological and Ethical Considerations

The question of whether to continue or try to stop taking Sublocade and switch to Suboxone strips reveals a complex psychological and ethical issue. The individual's implied desire for an altered state or relief from cravings might indicate a lack of commitment to the recovery process. It is important to approach such instances with sensitivity and professional guidance. The healthcare provider or counselor should focus on the individual's ongoing well-being, supporting them through their cravings and discouraging any risky behavior like increasing medication doses without medical supervision.

Medication-assisted treatment is most effective when combined with comprehensive care, including counseling, community support, and addressing the underlying issues contributing to substance abuse. Individuals should be encouraged to be honest and open in their sessions with their healthcare providers. It is crucial to prioritize long-term recovery over short-term relief or temporary stabilizations that might hinder the progress of the individual.

For those considering the use of Suboxone strips while on Sublocade, the primary recommendation is to communicate openly with their healthcare provider. Any changes in treatment should be made under professional supervision to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment plan. Engaging with a treatment program that provides both medical and psychological support is essential for a successful recovery.

Conclusion

In summary, while taking Suboxone strips while on Sublocade injection is unlikely to result in any significant medical complications, it is important to consider the potential psychological and ethical implications of such changes in treatment. It is advisable for individuals to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers and to adhere to a comprehensive treatment plan that combines medication with support from counseling and community resources. Medication-assisted treatment, when used properly, can be a vital tool in the journey to recovery from opioid dependence.