Using Buprenorphine to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

MATClinics has helped thousands of individuals in Maryland overcome opioid addiction through the prescribing of buprenorphine medications (MAT). Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in oral medications such as Suboxone and the monthly injection, Sublocade.

Buprenorphine Treatment in a Nutshell

Prolonged use of opioids, whether pain pills or illicit drugs like fentanyl and heroin, builds tolerance and dependence.

When someone who is dependent on opioids stops using, the brain's opioid receptors send strong craving signals and generate intense withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, panic attacks, insomnia, and more.

Buprenorphine acts is an opioid replacement therapy and mitigates cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms.

At MATClinics, new patients who are diagnosed with opioid use disorder are prescribed a buprenorphine medication the day of their appointment. Case Managers are assigned to work with each new patient to ensure the induction goes as smoothly as possible.

Sublocade

Once a patient is stable on their oral medication (typically Suboxone), MATClinics can help interested patients move on to monthly injections. Many patients appreciate the freedom that Sublocade offers.

Precipitated Withdrawal

Many patients have had difficult experiences when trying to start Suboxone or Sublocade treatment. If someone takes their fist dose too early, before the opioids they normally use are out of their system, the buprenorphine will push the other opioids off of their brain receptors. When this happens, patients go into severe withdrawal, and is often called precipitated withdrawal.

MATClinics works closely with all new patients to make the induction process as easy and stress-free as possible. Helping patients avoid precipitated withdrawal is the priority.