Switching From Suboxone To Sublocade

Opioid use disorder continues to impact Appalachian communities. In 2022, overdose deaths were 64% higher here than the national average. At ReVIDA® Recovery, we specialize in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), offering personalized, outpatient care to help individuals stabilize and thrive in their recovery journey.

Switching from Suboxone to Sublocade can be a beneficial step for many in recovery. Today, we’re discussing why this transition might be right for you, how the process works, and what to expect during the first month.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is one of the most widely used medications in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It combines buprenorphine and naloxone:

• Buprenorphine attaches to the same brain receptors as opioids but only partially activates them. This reduces cravings and withdrawal without creating a strong high.
• Naloxone acts as a safeguard. If someone tries to misuse Suboxone, the naloxone blocks the “euphoric” effect.

Who Does Suboxone Works Best For?

Suboxone can be a good fit if you:

1. 1. Want daily accountability and structure. Because you take Suboxone every day, it naturally builds routine into your recovery. Every dose is a reminder that you’re choosing this; you’re choosing to stay on track, stay consistent, and stay healthy. Finding a healthy routine is especially important in early recovery.That daily structure also gives you and your provider more opportunities to notice changes. If you’re struggling with cravings or your symptoms feel different, those patterns show up quickly when you’re on a daily medication. This allows your treatment team to make adjustments faster, ensuring that your recovery plan will grow with you.
   2. Need a medication you can get from an outpatient provider. Another reason Suboxone is often a good fit is that it can be prescribed in an outpatient setting. This means you don’t have to check into a hospital or residential program just to access the medication. Instead, you meet with a licensed provider who can prescribe Suboxone and adjust your dosage as needed, all while you continue living at home.
   3. Still struggle with cravings or withdrawal but are ready to stabilize your recovery.

One of the hardest parts of early recovery is the withdrawal symptoms. These symptooms can be very uncomfortable and even debilitating, which causes many to return to use. They also make it difficult to focus on things like group therapy appointments or recovery meetings. Suboxone decreases cravings and lessens withdrawal, making it easier to focus on moving forward and getting healthy.

Suboxone: How it Works and Why it Matters

Suboxone isn’t a cure for opioid use disorder, but it’s an important tool. By easing the physical symptoms of withdrawal, it creates space for you to focus on therapy, coping skills, and rebuilding your life. Here’s a rundown of how it works:

What Is Sublocade?

Sublocade is another popular medication used in MAT, and it works in a different way. Instead of taking a film or pill every day, Sublocade is a once-monthly injection, administered by your doctor.

The medication is placed just under the skin of your abdomen, where it slowly releases buprenorphine into your system over time. This steady delivery keeps your medication levels consistent and helps prevent the ups and downs some people feel with daily dosing.

For many, Sublocade offers freedom from the daily responsibility of remembering a dose.

There are no films or tablets to manage, and nothing to keep track of at home. That can bring peace of mind if you’ve struggled with cravings in between doses, or if you’d rather not have medication in your household. It also eliminates the chance of misplacing or misusing your medication. With Sublocade, you show up once a month, and the rest is taken care of.

Who Does Sublocade Work Best For?

Sublocade works best for those who want stability without daily medication obligations. Some people begin MAT with Suboxone and eventually transition to Sublocade because they’re ready to move to a monthly option. Because it’s only taken once a month, it can feel more “hands-off”, promoting a little more independence.

Sublocade may work best if you:

1. Don’t like keeping medication in your home.For some people, recovery involves abstinence from all substances. If you feel like keeping medication at home is a burden or a temptation, Sublocade is a good options. If you live with children, family members, or roommates, you may also worry about safety or privacy. Sublocade removes that concern entirely. Because it’s administered by a provider once a month, there’s nothing to store, manage, or keep track of at home. That peace of mind can make it easier to focus on your recovery without added stress.
2. Want a long-lasting option.With Sublocade, one shot lasts a full month. You don’t have to think about taking something every day, and you don’t have to worry about it wearing off too soon. The medication stays steady in your system, which means fewer ups and downs and more time to focus on the parts of life that really matter, like your recovery, your family, or just feeling more like yourself again.
3. Are ready for a little more independence in your recovery.Because Sublocade is administered once a month, you won’t need to rely on daily medication to feel steady. Not having to worry about daily medication can free you up to participate in more family or group activities, vacations, and more.

5 Steps to Switch From Suboxone to Sublocade

There are a couple of reasons why someone may want to switch from Suboxone to Sublocade. The daily dose of Suboxone may become overwhelming or it may cause occasional side effects you’d rather avoid, or you may just be ready to switch to Sublocade after taking Suboxone for a while.

Whatever your reasoning for switching, it is perfectly safe to move from Suboxone to Sublocade. There are things to consider, and it needs to be done carefully and with your medical team. Here are the things that need to happen in order for you to switch:

1. You need to be taking Suboxone for at least 7 days before starting Sublocade. Clinicians want to make sure that your body handles buprenorphine well, and they want your symptoms stabilized before making the switch.
2. You need to meet with your healthcare team to discuss the change. They need to review your current dose of Suboxone, discuss your goals for the future, and determine whether or not the switch will be beneficial for you and your unique circumstances.
3. You’ll probably receive a test dose. This initial phase, or the test dose, allows your doctors to carefully observe your reaction to the medication and make any adjustments.
4. Your clinicians will make adjustments as needed. Just like Suboxone, Sublocade has different dosages that cater to your body type and unique needs. This dose may need to be adjusted, especially in the beginning, to ensure your stabilization.
5. You’ll continue therapy and other means of recovery support. Both Suboxone and Sublocade work best in conjuction with other treatment measures, such as inpatient or outpatient programs. Recovery is far more sustainable with the support of your care team, others in recovery, and your family.

Common Concerns: Is it Safe to Switch From Suboxone to Sublocade?

Switching from Suboxone to Sublocade is safe as long as you’re working with your healthcare team. Being stable on Suboxone first is important because it allows your body to adjust to buprenorphine, reducing the risk of withdrawal or side effects when you make the switch.

After you switch from Suboxone to Sublocade, the first month can be an adjustment. You may notice mild side effects like injection site soreness, but they usually improve or disappear within a few days.

You’ll meet with your provider regularly, especially in the beginning, to address any concerns and monitor any changes. The first month is mainly about adjusting to your new medication routine and settling into the support that Sublocade provides.