Concurrent substance use during Sublocade treatment carries significant risks. Sublocade delivers a steady-state dose of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, intended to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder. Introducing other substances, particularly opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, can disrupt the therapeutic balance and lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes. For example, using other opioids while on Sublocade may not produce the desired euphoric effect due to buprenorphine’s receptor occupancy, leading individuals to use increasingly larger and more dangerous amounts of other substances in attempt to bypass buprenorphine’s effect.
Understanding the implications of using other substances during buprenorphine treatment is crucial for patient safety and treatment success. Sublocade’s extended-release formulation means the medication remains active in the body for an extended period. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of potential drug interactions and the impact of additional substance use on the individual’s overall health and well-being. Historically, managing concurrent substance use has been a complex challenge in treating opioid use disorder, requiring integrated approaches including medication management, behavioral therapies, and ongoing monitoring. The benefits of Sublocade are significantly reduced when individuals engage in concurrent substance use.
