How Long Does Buprenorphine/Naxolone Stay in Your System?
Legacy Healing Center Blog
Buprenorphine is a prescription medication often used to help individuals manage opioid addiction. It is highly effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which can make the journey to sobriety more manageable. How long does buprenorphine stay in your system, though? Understanding how long it stays in the body, the factors that influence this, and how withdrawal is managed can be crucial for anyone taking buprenorphine or considering it as part of their treatment. We want to ensure you have a safe withdrawal at Legacy Healing Center.
What Is Buprenorphine/Naloxone and What Is It Used For?
Buprenorphine, often combined with naloxone to create buprenorphine/naloxone, is widely prescribed to individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, while buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This combination is designed to aid in recovery while minimizing the potential for misuse.
Typically, what is buprenorphine used for? Its primary function is to assist individuals through the early stages of recovery by easing the harsh symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Many patients use the medication long-term as part of a maintenance treatment plan in a structured rehab setting, such as our Cherry Hill rehab facility at Legacy Healing Center.
How Long Does Buprenorphine/Naloxone Stay in Your System?
The answer depends on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, body weight, age, liver function, and the dosage taken. On average, buprenorphine has a half-life of around 37 hours, meaning it can take anywhere from a few days to over a week for the drug to be fully eliminated from the body. Naloxone, on the other hand, has a much shorter half-life, usually leaving the system in just a few hours.
Understanding these timelines is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers, especially when it comes to buprenorphine withdrawal. As the drug leaves the body, withdrawal symptoms may begin to surface, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the last dose. Those undergoing medical detox at a rehab facility receive assistance in managing these symptoms.
Buprenorphine Patches and Their Usage
In addition to oral tablets, buprenorphine patches are another method of administering the medication, providing a steady release of the drug over an extended period. These patches are typically applied to the skin and can offer continuous pain relief or opioid withdrawal management for up to seven days. They are often used in situations where a consistent, low dose is preferred, such as in patients managing chronic pain or those who have a history of forgetting to take their medication.
The use of buprenorphine/naloxone in patch form can reduce the risk of overdose while still offering the therapeutic benefits of the medication. However, individuals must follow strict guidelines to avoid misuse. As with all forms of buprenorphine, the length of time it remains in the system depends on various factors, but the slow release from the patch ensures the medication is continuously active for an extended period. Legacy Healing Center can provide guidance on the best form of medication administration during treatment.
What to Expect During Buprenorphine/Naloxone Withdrawal
When discontinuing buprenorphine/naloxone, withdrawal symptoms can occur, which may include nausea, muscle aches, anxiety, and insomnia. These symptoms are typically milder than those associated with full opioid agonists but can still be uncomfortable. The duration and intensity of withdrawal largely depend on the duration of buprenorphine use and the dosage taken.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle and joint aches
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability and anxiety
- Cravings for opioids
Managing buprenorphine withdrawal in a professional setting can help individuals taper off the medication safely and comfortably. The levels of rehab support provided by a well-structured program ensure that patients have access to medical care, counseling, and other essential resources to avoid relapse.
Get Help in Cherry Hill Today!
Buprenorphine, particularly when combined with naloxone in buprenorphine/naloxone, can be a life-changing medication for individuals overcoming opioid addiction. However, understanding how long buprenorphine stays in your system and managing withdrawal are essential parts of the recovery process. For those in need of support, Legacy Healing Center offers comprehensive addiction therapy programs in Cherry Hill.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, contact us today to learn more about how we can help. For additional resources on recovery and treatment, be sure to check out our blog for more information.
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