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Opiate Addiction

It is a sad fact that some of society's adolescents and adults become unintentionally addicted to one drug or another, whether it is alcohol, nicotine, food or opiates.  As an expert in addiction treatments, Dr. Sheta has devised customized programs for each of these dependencies.

It is conservatively estimated that of the roughly 900,000 heroin-dependent Americans and an estimated 1 million more dependent on prescription opiates, no more than 20% are receiving treatment. Worse, no branch of government at the federal, state or local level seems to care, as evidenced by the total lack of initiatives to lessen, let alone eliminate, the unconscionable gap between need for and availability of services.

This problem was rectified with the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000. Until recently, opiate dependence treatments in Schedule II, like methadone, could be dispensed in a very limited number of clinics that specialize in addiction treatment.

Under this new law, medications for the treatment of opiate dependence that are subject to less restrictive controls than those of Schedule II can be prescribed in a doctor's office by specially trained physicians.

SUBOXONE and SUBUTEX are part of a complete addiction treatment program that should also include counseling or behavioral therapy.

Dr. Sheta prescribes both subutex or suboxone for opiate-dependent clients.  These medications treat opiate addiction by preventing symptoms of withdrawal from heroin and other opiates.

FAQ

·         What are Suboxone and Subutex?

• Subutex and Suboxone are medications approved for the treatment of opiate dependence. Both medicines contain the active ingredient, buprenorphine hydrochloride, which works to reduce the symptoms of opiate dependence. 

·         Why did the FDA approve two medications?

• Subutex contains only buprenorphine hydrochloride. This formulation was developed as the initial product. The second medication, Suboxone contains an additional ingredient called naloxone to guard against misuse.

• Subutex is given during the first few days of treatment, while Suboxone is used during the maintenance phase of treatment. 

·         Will most prescriptions be for the Suboxone formulation?

 Yes, Suboxone is the formulation used in the majority of patients. 

·         How are Subutex and Suboxone different from the current treatment options for opiate dependence such as methadone?

• Currently opiate dependence treatments like methadone can be dispensed only in a limited number of clinics that specialize in addiction treatment. There are not enough addiction treatment centers to help all patients seeking treatment. Subutex and Suboxone are the first narcotic drugs available under the Drug Abuse Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000 for the treatment of opiate dependence that can be prescribed in a doctor’s office. This change will provide more patients the opportunity to access treatment. 

           What are some possible side effects of Subutex and Suboxone?

The most common reported side effect of Subutex and Suboxone include:

• cold or flu-like symptoms,   headaches,  sweating,   sleeping difficulties, nausea and mood swings.

Like other opioids, Subutex and Suboxone have been associated with respiratory depression (difficulty breathing) especially when combined with other depressants.

·         Are patients able to take home supplies of these medicines?

• Yes. Subutex and Suboxone are less tightly controlled than methadone because they have a lower potential for abuse and are less dangerous in an overdose. As patients progress on therapy, their doctor may write a prescription for a take-home supply of the medication. 

·         How will FDA know if these drugs are being misused, and what can be done if they are?

• FDA has worked with the manufacturer, Reckitt-Benckiser, and other agencies to develop an in-depth risk-management plan. FDA will receive quarterly reports from the comprehensive surveillance program. This should permit early detection of any problems. Regulations can be enacted for tighter control of buprenorphine treatment if it is clear that it is being widely diverted and misused. 

           Who can prescribe Subutex and Suboxone?

• Only qualified doctors with the necessary DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) identification number are able to start in-office treatment and provide prescriptions for ongoing medication. CSAT (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment) will maintain a database to help patients locate qualified doctors.

·         How will Subutex and Suboxone be supplied? 

• Both medications come in 2 mg and 8 mg strengths as sublingual (placed under the tongue to dissolve) tablets. 

·         Where can patients get Subutex and Suboxone?

• These medications will be available in most commercial pharmacies. Qualified doctors with the necessary DEA identification numbers will be encouraged to help patients locate pharmacies that can fill prescriptions for Subutex and Suboxone.