Chronic pain is one of the many reasons people start taking opioids. When opioid use becomes more harmful than helpful, pain treatment can become a challenge.
Suboxone is a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) that’s generally safer than other alternatives. It also may be an effective pain reliever for some people. These medications are mostly used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people with opioid use disorder (OUD). For those who also have chronic pain, Suboxone can provide relief from both conditions.
While pain relief is a benefit of Suboxone, it’s not the primary use case. There are other pain medications, such as Belbuca, that use the same active ingredient. At Groups, you need a primary diagnosis of OUD to receive a Suboxone prescription.
In this article, we’ll share seven reasons why Suboxone may be helpful for people who have chronic pain and OUD.
7 reasons Suboxone may be a helpful aid for chronic pain
The active ingredient in Suboxone is buprenorphine. In most people with OUD, buprenorphine works as a partial opioid agonist. It binds to opioid receptors and only partially activates them. In people with neuropathic pain, its pain relief properties come from the strong receptor bond and slow dissociation. That makes it very effective as a pain reliever.
However, when it comes to the minimal euphoric effects and risk of breathing problems, it’s still a partial agonist. That means these effects don’t increase at higher doses, which is one of the reasons why Suboxone is considered safer than other opioids.
The dual nature of buprenorphine isn’t completely understood. Still, it’s one of many reasons why Suboxone is helpful for many people with chronic pain and OUD.
Another feature that makes this medication safer than other opioids is the inactive ingredient, naloxone. It mainly acts as a deterrent to discourage people from injecting or snorting their medication. It doesn’t interfere with the main ingredient when taken as prescribed.
The following are seven reasons to consider taking Suboxone for these conditions:
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Addressing both pain and underlying opioid dependence
Suboxone helps end the cycle of pain, substance use, dependence, withdrawal, and more pain. With stable chemistry in your brain and body, you can take a more holistic approach to pain management. For any remaining pain symptoms, you might add cognitive behavioral approaches or physical therapies like acupuncture.
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Superior pain relief properties compared to morphine
As a pain reliever, buprenorphine is 20 to 50 times more powerful than morphine. However, it doesn’t cause the same addictive behaviors. You’ll have a lower misuse potential and slower tolerance. If you should ever decide to stop taking buprenorphine, it’s much easier to discontinue than other strong opioid pain relievers.
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Reduced risk of respiratory depression compared to full opioids
Most opioid pain medications, like morphine and oxycodone, have a higher risk of respiratory depression at higher doses. This is what makes it so dangerous to take them recreationally.
Because Suboxone contains a partial agonist, it has a ceiling effect. It’s still possible to experience breathing problems. But in these cases, there are usually other factors at play.
For instance, it may happen if you combine Suboxone with another medication or if you have a respiratory condition.
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Reduced euphoric effects while maintaining analgesia
You don’t have to choose between pain management and recovery. Suboxone’s ceiling effect also applies to its euphoric properties. You can take it to keep your symptoms under control without feeling “high.” Because of the naloxone, it has a very low risk of misuse. This allows you to focus on your recovery goals and your life outside of treatment.
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Improved function and reduced sedation
Our members at Groups have said that their Suboxone helps them feel “normal.” Some studies show that it doesn’t cause the same brain fog or sleepiness as other opioids.
However, there’s still some risk of these side effects. You should exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery. Once you’re familiar with its effects, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to return to these activities safely.
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Lower potential for tolerance development
Increasing tolerance for opioid pain medications can limit their use for chronic pain management. Buprenorphine is different in the sense that tolerance typically doesn’t escalate with frequent use.
In most cases, Suboxone remains effective as an OUD treatment for the long term. It’s safe to take it indefinitely. In fact, many people take a maintenance dose for the rest of their lives. However, buprenorphine is FDA-approved for pain in other formulations, not Suboxone. It’s approved for Butrans or Belbuca.
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Divided doses allow for continuous pain relief
Suboxone works for 6-8 hours to help pain relief. You can often divide the doses throughout the day. It helps you get as much continual relief as possible.
How to know if Suboxone is right for you
Once again, Suboxone isn’t appropriate as a primary treatment for chronic pain alone. It’s one of many buprenorphine-based medications used to treat OUD. It also happens to be an effective pain reliever. You need an OUD diagnosis to receive a prescription for it.
There are also long-acting injectable MOUD with the same ingredients. Some people prefer these because they would rather get a shot once a month than take an oral medication every day.
It’s important to work closely with a qualified prescriber when taking Suboxone. Tell them about any past or present medical conditions. You should also mention other medications and supplements you’re taking.
Like any medication, there are potential side effects and interactions to be aware of. Suboxone can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
In particular, Suboxone can cause mouth sores and tooth decay when not taken properly. You should always take it as instructed. For additional precautions, rinse your mouth by swishing with a sip of water after you take it. Also, avoid brushing your teeth for an hour afterward.
Suboxone works best when it’s part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment regimen. Group therapy, counseling, and other holistic approaches like physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture may help. Discuss your recovery goals with your care providers and check in often to discuss your pain and other symptoms.
Get a Suboxone prescription as part of your comprehensive treatment plan at Groups
Suboxone is uniquely beneficial for people who have OUD and chronic pain because of its nature as both a partial and full opioid agonist. Reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings is its primary use. However, it can also provide relief from chronic pain. Suboxone is generally considered safe for long-term use when taken as prescribed. It can help you stay on track with your recovery goals and live the life you want to live.
At Groups, our comprehensive approach to treatment combines Suboxone and support. You’ll work with a qualified prescriber and a Recovery Support Specialist who can help you with things like food, housing, and employment.
You’ll also attend weekly support groups with others who are in recovery. Giving and receiving support as part of a recovery-oriented community helps in different ways than MOUD. Both social support and medication are critical for ending opioid use.
Are you looking for solutions to help you manage both OUD and chronic pain? We can help. Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today.
We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
