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What is "sub"
What is sub? how does it differ from methadone? my boyfriend is heavily addicted to oxy's and its making our lives miserable, he treated by a pain managment Md, at the moment he is going through the worst withdrawels since I have known him (1 year) he is totally incapacitated and he doesn't get his next script till Friday, how does "sub" work? thanks
it is not methadone lite...it is in no way similar to methadone at all, except half life...
How does Buprenorphine work in the brain?
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, with three main effects; reduced respiration, euphoria, decreased pain. The more opioids ingested the more of an effect. The process of opioids binding to the opioid receptors can be thought of as a mechanical union, the better the fit the more the opioid effect. Buprenorphine is different. It too binds to the receptors, however, without a perfect fit. As a result the Buprenorphine tends to occupy the receptors without all of the opioid effects. The receptor is tricked into thinking it has been satisfied with opioids without producing the feeling of euphoria, and without causing respiratory depression. This, in turn, prevents that receptor from joining with full opioids; therefore if the patient uses heroin or painkillers, they will not be able to experience any additional effect. Buprenorphine tends to stay with the receptors, blocking them, much longer then opioids do. This stickiness, is what makes Buprenorphine last so long, up to 3 days
How does Buprenorphine work in the brain?
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, with three main effects; reduced respiration, euphoria, decreased pain. The more opioids ingested the more of an effect. The process of opioids binding to the opioid receptors can be thought of as a mechanical union, the better the fit the more the opioid effect. Buprenorphine is different. It too binds to the receptors, however, without a perfect fit. As a result the Buprenorphine tends to occupy the receptors without all of the opioid effects. The receptor is tricked into thinking it has been satisfied with opioids without producing the feeling of euphoria, and without causing respiratory depression. This, in turn, prevents that receptor from joining with full opioids; therefore if the patient uses heroin or painkillers, they will not be able to experience any additional effect. Buprenorphine tends to stay with the receptors, blocking them, much longer then opioids do. This stickiness, is what makes Buprenorphine last so long, up to 3 days
Most opiates are agonists - they are easily received by opiate recptors in the brain....and they are always received. Suboxone (buprenorphine) is unique in that it is in the narcotic class (meperidine family) - but in addition to agonist qualities it is self limiting with an antagonist property. After inputting so much of a dose the brain shuts off the receptors and will not uptake any more opiates. It hasnt been around long enough for extremely long term studies - Docs call sub "methadone light" - so the jury is still out there - but I would not tell anyone to go the methadone route from my experience - its long and nasty. Good luck - there are alternatives to oxy addiction
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