Buprenorphine molecules attach on to opioid receptors in the brain; These are molecules that are embedded in the receiving parts of specific brain cells in the surface. The molecules that bind to these receptors are known as ligands. Buprenorphine is different than other opioids because there is a ceiling to the action of the drug. All opiates activate certain actions for opiate receptors to carry out, no matter if it is heroin, a prescription pain medication, or Buprenorphine.
Once a person ingests Suboxone, the blood level can only reach a maximum level then no further effect will be caused on opioid pathways. Dosing and metabolism will not cause any change in the activity of opioid pathways, the effect of the blood levels of Buprenorphine allows for this.
After the receptors are activated, opioid pathways will fire more rapidly; this happens during the use of Suboxone. An effect on mood, pain sensation, many bodily functions will happen as a result of the pathways that have been activated in the spinal cord and brain. Buprenorphine will reduce respiration and decrease pain levels.
Current methods to administer the medication are intramuscular injection, intravenous infusion, transdermal patch, ethanolic liquid oral solution and sublingual tablets or film. Withdrawals from Buprenorphine feel like a severe flu.
Suboxone has rather poor oral bioavailability; however, a moderate sublingual bioavailability. It’s hard to determine the rate at which the medication will be effective, the drug’s half-life, the method taken, and its lipophilicity will all factor in. The medication has a balancing effect, and the patient should start to see results within a few days after the first dose is taken as prescribed. The half-life varies between 24 and 60 hours. Suboxone has the ability to stay in the brain’s opiate receptors for over twenty-four hours. The medication is metabolized by the liver; half-life elimination is 20 to 72 hours. Important Information About Suboxone