Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does precipitated withdrawal mean?

A Suboxone prescription or a prescription for Subutex and Naltrexone can help people who want to recover from opioid addiction and transition to sober living. Drugs like Suboxone and Subutex contain buprenorphine which is a drug that activates the opioid receptors in the brain. Buprenorphine is intended to minimize the withdrawal symptoms a person might be experiencing. It can also help patients achieve as well as maintain sobriety from opioid drugs. Naltrexone, on the other hand, doesn’t activate opioid receptors, but instead, it blocks them.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medicine that consists of buprenorphine and naloxone. It’s used to help people with opioid drug addictions and is one of the Rosedale addiction treatments we offer. Buprenorphine helps to reduce the withdrawal symptoms that people may get after they stop using opioid drugs. Naloxone on the other hand can reverse the effects of drugs like and similar to heroin.

What are the potential side effects of Buprenorphine and Naloxone?

The side effects of using buprenorphine can include:

Irritability
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Muscle aches and cramps
Sleeplessness

The side effects of using Naloxone can include:

Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea
Restlessness
Body aches
Nervousness and irritability
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Sneezing and/or runny nose
Fever and chills

What are some of the different Buprenorphine products?

Suboxone film (contains buprenorphine and naloxone)
Zubsolv sublingual tablets (contains buprenorphine and naloxone)
Sublocade injection (contains extended-release buprenorphine)

What does precipitated withdrawal mean?

Our Rosedale addiction treatments, such as a Suboxone prescription or a prescription for Subutex and Naltrexone can help people who want to recover from opioid addiction and transition to sober living. Drugs like Suboxone and Subutex contain buprenorphine which is a drug that activates the opioid receptors in the brain. Buprenorphine is intended to minimize the withdrawal symptoms a person might be experiencing. It can also help patients achieve as well as maintain sobriety from opioid drugs. Naltrexone, on the other hand, doesn’t activate opioid receptors, but instead, it blocks them.

Precipitations withdrawal occurs when someone takes one of these medications before adequately detoxing from the opioid drugs that they’re addicted to. Starting to take these medications too early in the recovery process can lead to sudden as well as severe withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

Low blood pressure and elevated heart rate
Nausea and excessive vomiting
Severe muscle aches and pains
Abdominal pain
Excessive diarrhea
Headaches
Fever, sweating, and chills

Altered perception and confusion

Anxiety and agitation

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone (Revia or Vivitrol) is used to help prevent the opioids from working in the body or reverse the effects of opioids. It’s also used to repel cravings in alcoholics.

Naltrexone can be taken daily by mouth or by monthly injection. It should be implemented as part of a complete substance abuse treatment program including counseling, behavioral therapies, compliance monitoring, and lifestyle changes.

According to WebMD, one should not take Naltrexone if they’re taking an opiate or methadone. This is because they can experience sudden withdrawal symptoms.

What are some of the potential side effects of taking Naltrexone?

Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal cramping and pain
Difficulty sleeping
Increased anxiety
Joint and muscle pain
Tiredness

How can I get certified for medical cannabis?

In order to get certified for medical marijuana (cannabis), patients will need to go to an in-person visit to a health clinic and registered provider. The patient will have to have a “bona fide provider-patient relationship” with that registered provider. After evaluation, if the patient meets all of the registered provider’s criteria for medical marijuana treatment, the provider will issue them a certification.

How do I know I am a candidate for medical cannabis?

Patients oftentimes suffering from chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions that can cause: anorexia, wasting syndrome, cachexia, severe or chronic pain, seizures, severe or persistent muscle spasms, severe nausea, glaucoma, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), or other severe and/or chronic medical conditions where other treatments have been deemed ineffective.

Be sure to visit the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission Website for additional information.