Suboxone is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder or opioid addiction. It effectively alleviates withdrawal symptoms, along with drug cravings.
If you find you have run out of your prescription, it is important to act quickly!
In this article, we will cover exactly how to get Suboxone same-day to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. We will also cover:
- Who can prescribe Suboxone same-day
- Where to find Suboxone doctors
- Alternatives to Suboxone
- Symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal
- Risks of illegally acquired medication.
Now let’s dive in.
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How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone is medication that is used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings as part of Medication-Assisted Treatment.
It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine, an opioid agonist, and naloxone, a partial opioid antagonist.
Suboxone can be prescribed by licensed physicians and should be taken once a day or as directed. Abruptly stopping Suboxone treatment can result in withdrawal symptoms, especially if it is not tapered off first.
Emergency Suboxone Refills
If you’re in need of an emergency Suboxone refill, you might assume that you can simply go to the emergency room for a refill.
Unfortunately, the process might not be that simple. Although you can get Suboxone from the emergency department, the medical professional prescribing the medication must still be DEA-registered.
The doctor will also look for suspicious activity, such as getting repeat prescriptions before they are due.
When you may need Suboxone immediately
If you have lost or run out of your medication, you may need same-day access to the medication.
Because Suboxone is used to treat opioid withdrawals and cravings, abrupt termination of the medication can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. This can put people at risk of taking other prescriptions or illegal opioids, which can be dangerous and detrimental to a patient’s journey to long-term recovery.
Understanding Suboxone Prescription Regulations
Suboxone must be prescribed by a healthcare professional who has assessed you for the presence of Opioid Use Disorder, and who has ensured the medication is not dangerous for you to take. Various healthcare professionals are able to prescribe Suboxone, including doctors, nurse physicians, and psychiatrists.
How To Get Emergency Suboxone
Emergency Rooms (ER)
Since 2020, emergency room doctors are now able to dispense a 3-day supply of Suboxone. The law has recently changed allowing patients to take home this 3-day supply and take it in their homes.
These emergency physicians will ask you about your Suboxone prescription and other opioid use, as well as questions about your health to make sure the 3-day supply is appropriate for you to receive.
Reach Out to an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
Opioid Treatment Programs are specialist programs where Suboxone doctors are able to meet people and prescribe Suboxone. It is worth finding a clinic in your area and discussing your situation to see if you can get a quick same-day appointment.
Consult a Licensed Prescriber
There are many licensed providers who are able to prescribe Suboxone. You can find a list of doctors who can prescribe Suboxone online, with contact details. Giving them a call and asking for same-day availability may give you access to same-day medication without waiting in the ER.
Telemedicine Options
Online Suboxone doctors are able to prescribe Suboxone. Meeting with a doctor online or over the phone is an accessible way to receive help right away.
What If You Run Out Of Suboxone?
If you realize that you have run out of Suboxone, it is important to seek help straight away.
Withdrawal symptoms from the medication can start 24 hours after the last dose. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and can result in drug-seeking behavior.
If you run out of Suboxone, it is important to get a hold of your normal doctor immediately. If you are unable to do so, finding a doctor in your area or over telehealth is the next best option. Ask for a same-day appointment with a licensed physician.
If you have exhausted these options, visit the emergency department. Emergency physicians are able to dispense a 3-day supply of Suboxone.
It is important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to prevent this from happening again.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms begin 24 hours after the last dose has been taken. Some common side effects of withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Muscle aches and pains
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes.
To avoid these symptoms, it is important to find a doctor who is able to immediately prescribe the medication. Once prescribed, it is important to take the medication at the exact dose as prescribed.
Suboxone Alternatives
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Suboxone, is available alone. Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist and thus acts in the same way Suboxone does to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone
Methadone is another medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder and can in some cases be used in place of Suboxone. It is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Methadone can be prescribed in the emergency department and is often administered as an injection.
Risks of Black Market Suboxone
Buying Suboxone without a prescription is illegal, and has the potential to be dangerous. Black market sellers cannot guarantee what is in the medication or the dosage – resulting in potentially dangerous side effects or risks of relapse and overdose.
Conclusion
It can be distressing to find out that you have run out or lost your Suboxone prescription. However, there are a few options available to get Suboxone quickly in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The first point of contact should always be your regular doctor. If your doctor is not available, services such as online doctors, Opioid Treatment Programs, and emergency department doctors will be able to help you.
References
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022410s000lbl.pdf
- https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-pl-guide-5.pdf
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/find-treatment/treatment-practitioner-locator
- https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Methadone-2020.pdf
