What Should You Know Before Starting Sublocade?
Opioid addiction can feel like a massive burden crushing your chest. It’s as if you’re suffocating, yearning for escape, but unsure of how to start. Luckily, you don't have to fight this battle alone. Modern medicine has powerful new tools for recovery.
One of the best tools is Sublocade. You may have heard the name. What is it really like? What is the benefit to your body? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a prescribed medication designed to address opioid dependence. If you are asking what is the Sublocade shot, it is an extended-release injection that delivers a steady stream of buprenorphine to effectively blunt powerful cravings and stop painful withdrawal symptoms. The Sublocade shot is given once a month, making it easier for many patients because taking a daily pill can be difficult to manage consistently. It is delivered as a shot under the skin, leaving a solid bump that gradually releases medicine into your blood for the entire month.
How Does Sublocade Work in Your Body?
When your brain becomes dependent on opioids, suddenly quitting triggers severe withdrawal and intense cravings. When considering how long does Sublocade take to work, the medication begins releasing buprenorphine immediately after injection, attaching to the same receptors in your brain that opioids do. However, instead of producing a dangerous high, it acts as a protective shield.
Here is how it helps you heal:
It blocks the effects of other opioids.
It keeps your medicine levels perfectly steady.
It stops painful withdrawal feelings that make you sick.
It crushes strong urges to use drugs.
Who Is a Good Match for This Treatment?
While Sublocade is an excellent option for adults committed to recovery, clinical safety protocols require a brief preparation phase. Patients must first stabilize on a daily under-the-tongue buprenorphine medication for at least seven days before transitioning to the monthly injection.
To stay safe, your doctor will give you a daily medicine that melts under your tongue. You must take this for seven days. This shows your doctor your body handles it well. Once your body is happy, you switch to the shot.
The Best Benefits of Choosing a Monthly Shot
Why pick a shot over a daily pill? There are great reasons. Taking a pill means remembering it every morning. Forget it once and you might feel sick.
For those wondering how often is Sublocade given, it is administered strictly once a month, making life much easier. Look at these benefits:
You do not have to worry about a daily pill.
You do not have to hide pill bottles.
You get a smooth, even amount of medicine all month.
You gain free time to focus on your family.
Important Steps Before Your First Injection
Getting ready is a big step. You need to know what happens.
First, you will have a deep talk with your medical team. They must be sure this medicine is safe for your body. Next, you do the seven days of the under-the-tongue medicine. You set up your shot appointment and the doctor administers the shot in your belly, which takes only a few minutes.
Are There Any Side Effects to Watch Out For?
All medicines can have side effects. Most people handle the shot well, but your body might react slightly.
Common side effects include:
Feeling very tired or needing extra sleep.
Having an upset stomach.
Getting a small headache.
Feeling a little pain where the shot went in.
Following the injection, you will notice a small lump under your skin. This is a completely normal and safe part of the time-release process. To ensure the medication works correctly, it is critical that you never rub or massage the injection site as it gradually decreases in size over the month.
Why You Need a Special Certified Provider
If you are evaluating how to get Sublocade shot treatment safely, you cannot get this shot at a standard medical office. Strict rules state that only specially trained doctors can administer it. These doctors are called REMS certified providers.
This big safety rule makes sure the medicine is given in the safest way. The shot must only be administered under the skin and never into a vein, which is why you should see true experts.
How Mar Y Sol Mental Health Experts Can Help You
For those in the Danbury, Connecticut area, Mar Y Sol Mental Health Experts offers comprehensive, whole-person care where medication is just one component of your healing journey. Our clinical leaders, Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Aura Ardon and recovery-focused Physician Assistant Meghan Lunnie, are fully REMS certified. Dr. Ardon is a board-certified psychiatrist. Meghan Lunnie is a Physician Assistant completely focused on recovery. We listen. We never judge.
Your Next Steps to Find Freedom and Healing
Starting a new treatment plan can feel scary. It is the first step toward a bright future.
Please reach out today. Call us at (203) 456-6989 to book your first visit. You can also stop by 46 Federal Road, Suite D, Danbury, CT 06810.
Do not wait. Let us help you smile again.
FAQs
Q. What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a shot given once a month to treat opioid addiction. It puts a steady amount of medicine under your skin to stop cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Q. Can any doctor give me Sublocade?
No. Only specially trained and certified doctors can give this shot. They make sure the shot goes safely under your skin and never into a vein.
