MAT initiated in ED and referral to treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
You received buprenorphine in the emergency department today for treatment of opioid withdrawal or opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is also known by its brand names of Suboxone or Zubsolv. Buprenorphine is used as a medication for addiction treatment (MAT). This was given to treat the side effects of opioid withdrawal. MAT is used to treat multiple substance use disorders but is most used for treatment of opioid addiction. MAT is commonly combined with behavioral therapy and social support programs to help treat opioid addiction and reduce the impact of addiction on patients.
MAT has been shown to be effective at treating substance use disorders, making it more likely someone will remain in recovery and prevent relapse, and potentially diminishing the likelihood of overdose. The medications used work by treating withdrawal symptoms, controlling cravings, and helping to normalize brain chemistry. MAT decreases withdrawal symptoms, decreases relapse, improves the chance a patient will have long term recovery from addiction. MAT has other benefits, including increasing patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment and reducing the likelihood of contracting infections like HIV or Hepatitis.
The dose of buprenorphine that you received today in the emergency department, along with the prescription provided, will treat your withdrawal symptoms until you are able to follow-up in the clinic. The addiction clinic can provide you with longer-term treatment for addiction, including medications to relieve or prevent withdrawal.
Buprenorphine is a long-acting partial opiate agonist, which can treat or prevent opioid withdrawal. This means it is not a very strong opioid and lasts a long time, usually longer than 24 hours.
Buprenorphine will affect the way other opioids work in your body. If you take Methadone, Oxycontin, Morphine Sulfate, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone or use heroin and start buprenorphine before these other opioids are out of your system, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
Dangerous side effects, such as sedation and respiratory depression, are less common with buprenorphine compared with other opioids, but they can still occur, so it is important to use it as prescribed.
It is very important not to take any benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or alcohol with buprenorphine because these substances can also cause sedation and respiratory depression, which can lead to death.
Nausea and constipation are common side effects. Your health care provider may prescribe you ondansetron or Zofran to treat nausea either in the emergency department or at home.
Addiction to opioids is a life-threatening disease, but treatment is highly effective for helping get patients into recovery. Addiction specialty clinics are available and ready to help you take the first steps toward recovery.
While you have been started on buprenorphine today, you can easily transition to other treatments for opioid addiction such as Methadone or Naltrexone. An addiction specialist can help you decide on which medication will be right for you long-term.
Your health care provider may have also prescribed you naloxone or Narcan to help treat an unintentional opioid overdose. Please fill this prescription as having it available can save your life or the life of someone you know.