Questions About Naltrexone:
Questions About Suboxone/Subutex:
ABOUT NALTREXONE:
1. HOW DOES THIS MEDICATION WORK?
The cornerstone of the ARC-GA program is a revolutionary FDA approved prescription medication that blocks the effects of alcohol and drugs known as opiods (a class that includes morphine, or codeine). It competes with these drugs for receptors in the brain, which blocks the euphoria-causing and physical dependence-producing responses. It was originally used to treat dependence on opioid drugs, but has also been approved as a treatment for alcoholism. In clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness, patients who received this medication were twice as successful in remaining abstinent and in avoiding relapse as patients who received a placebo (an inactive pill).
>> top
2. HOW DOES IT HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM?
Reports from successfully treated patients suggest three kinds of effects. First, it reduces cravings, which is the urge or desire to drink. Second, it helps patients remain abstinent. And, third, it can interfere with the tendency to want to drink more if a recovering patient slips and has a drink, preventing them from escalating into a full-blown relapse.
>> top
3. DOES THIS MEAN THAT IT WILL "SOBER ME UP" IF I DRINK?
No, it does not reduce the effects of alcohol that impairs coordination and judgment.
>> top
4. IF I TAKE THIS MEDICATION, DOES IT MEAN THAT I DON'T NEED ANY OTHER TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOLISM?
No, it is not recommended to be prescribed as a stand-alone medication. We use it as only one component of a program of treatment for alcoholism including counseling, help with associated psychological and social problems and participation in self-help groups. In studies where the medication was shown to be effective, it was combined with treatment from professional psychotherapists.
>> top
5. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO START WORKING?
The effects on blocking opioids occurs shortly after taking the first dose. Findings to date suggest that its effects in helping patients remain abstinent and avoid relapse to alcohol use also occurs early.
>> top
6. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE ON THIS MEDICATION?
Aside from side effects, which are usually short-lived and mild, patients usually report that they are largely unaware of being on medication. It usually has no psychological effects and patients don't feel either "high" or "down" while taking it. It is not addicting. While it does seem to reduce alcohol craving, it does not interfere with the experience of other types of pleasure.
>> top
7. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
In the largest study, the most common side effect affected only a small minority of people and included the following: nausea (10%), headache (7%), dizziness (4%), fatigue (4%), insomnia (3%), anxiety (2%), and sleepiness (2%). These side effects were usually mild and of short duration. When used as a treatment for alcoholism, the side effects have caused 5-10% of people studied to discontinue use of the medication. For most patients, side effects are mild or of brief duration. One potential side effect is that the medication can have an adverse effect on the liver. We have found in most cases that continuing drinking is much more harmful to the liver than Naltrexone. Blood tests of liver function are performed prior to the onset of treatment and periodically during treatment to determine whether medication should be started and whether it should be discontinued if the relatively rare side effect of liver toxicity is taking place. However, taking this medication
is much less dangerous than continuing to drink if some liver damage is present.
>> top
8. DO I NEED TO GET BLOOD TESTS? HOW OFTEN?
To ensure that this treatment is safe, blood tests should be obtained prior to initial treatment. Following that, re-testing generally occurs at monthly intervals for the first three months, with less frequent testing after that point. More frequent testing may be requested depending on the health of your liver prior to beginning treatment. Blood tests are needed to make sure that liver function is adequate prior to taking the medication and to evaluate whether it is having adverse effects on the liver.
>> top
9. CAN I TAKE OTHER MEDICATIONS AT THE SAME TIME?
The major active effect of this medication is on opioid drugs, which is one class of drugs used primarily to treat pain, but is also found in some prescription cough preparations. It will block the effect of normal doses of this type of drug. There are many non-narcotic pain relievers that can be used effectively while you are taking it. Otherwise, it is likely to have little impact on other medications patients commonly use such as antibiotics, non-opioid analgesics (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and allergy medications. You should inform your physician of whatever medication you are currently taking so that possible interactions can be evaluated. Because it is broken down by the liver, other medications that can affect liver function may affect what dosage you are prescribed.
>> top
10. WILL I GET SICK IF I DRINK WHILE TAKING IT?
No. It may reduce the feeling of intoxication and the desire to drink more, but it will not cause a severe physical response to drinking.
>> top
11. WILL I GET SICK IF I STOP TAKING IT SUDDENLY?
This medication does not cause physical dependence and it can be stopped at any time without withdrawal symptoms. In addition, available findings regarding cessation do not show a "rebound" effect to resume alcohol use when it is discontinued.
>> top
12. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED AN OPERATION OR PAIN MEDICATION?
We will provide you with a card explaining that you are on this medication and that also instructs physicians on pain management. Many pain medications that are not opioids are available for use. If you are going to have elective surgery, the medication should be discontinued at least 72 hours beforehand.
>> top
13. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP OF THIS PROGRAM TO AA?
There is no contradiction between participation in AA and taking this medication. It is not addictive and does not produce any "high" or pleasant effects. It can contribute to achievement of an abstinence goal by reducing the craving or compulsion to drink, particularly during early phases of recovery. It is most likely to be effective when the patient's goal is to stop drinking altogether.
>> top
14. HOW LONG SHOULD I CONTINUE TAKING IT?
If the medication is tolerated and the patient is successful in reducing or stopping drinking, the recommended initial course of treatment is six months. At that time the patient and clinical staff should evaluate the need for further treatment on the basis of degree of improvement, degree of continued concerns about relapse and level of improvement in areas of functioning other than alcohol use.
>> top
15. DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE OR ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS?
We recognize the difficulties encountered by many in dealing with insurance carriers, therefore we will assist in filing your insurance. However, we do require that you pay at least 50% up front and your insurance company is directed to reimburse you.
>> top
ABOUT SUBOXONE/SUBUTEX:
1. WHAT IS SUBOXONE?
Suboxone is a sublingual tablet which contains Buprenorphine HCL as well as Naloxone HCL dihydrate. It is used for the treatment of opiate addictions such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Lortab, Percodan, Percocet, Stadol, Demerol, Dilaudid, Codeine, Heroin, and Methadone. It is a Schedule III Narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act.
>> top
2. WHAT IS SUBUTEX?
Subutex is a sublingual tablet which contains Buprenorphine HCL only. Buprenorphine HCL is a partial antagonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor. Like Suboxone, Subutex is a Schedule III Narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act.
>> top
3. CAN SUBOXONE/SUBUTEX BE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF COCAINE ADDICTION?
While cocaine addiction is a serious medical problem, it cannot be treated with either Suboxone or Subutex, as those medications are used strictly in the treatment for opioid abuse.
>> top
4. I AM CURRENTLY ON METHADONE. WOULD I BE ABLE TO SWITCH TO SUBOXONE?
Yes, you can easily switch from Methadone to a Buprenorphine HCL based medication.
>> top
5. CAN ANY PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBE SUBOXONE/SUBUTEX?
No. Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000, prescription use of these medications in the treatment of opioid dependence is limited to physicians who meet certain qualifying requirements, and must have written notification to the Secretary of Health and Human Services of their intent to utilize Buprenorphine HCL for the treatment of opioid dependence.
>> top
More than just a traditional alcohol detox/opiate detox center, our beautiful Savannah, Georgia location serves the South East, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
For Immediate Help Call (888) 570-6391 |
