Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. Buprenorphine is similar to other opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin however, it produces less euphoric ("high") effects and therefore may be easier to stop taking. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. If Suboxone is injected, naloxone will block the effects of buprenorphine and lead to withdrawal symptoms in a person with an opioid addiction. When administered under the tongue as directed, naloxone will not affect the actions of buprenorphine. Suboxone is used to treat opiate addiction. Suboxone can cause death from overdose, especially if it is injected with a tranquilizer. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Suboxone can cause drug dependence. This means that withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop using this medication too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur at the start of treatment due to dependence on another drug. Suboxone is not for occasional ("as needed") use. Do not stop taking Suboxone without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms. In an emergency, have family members tell emergency room staff that you are taking Suboxone and that you are dependent on opioids. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Suboxone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking, avoid these activities. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may dangerously increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication. Suboxone may dangerously increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor. GENERIC NAME: BUPRENORPHINE/NALOXONE - SUBLINGUAL (byoo-pre-NOR-feen/nal-OX-own BRAND NAME(S): Suboxone USES: This medication is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms, since the buprenorphine is actually a type of narcotic (opioid) itself. It should be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan. HOW TO USE: Place this medication under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Buprenorphine/naloxone is usually given daily during your medical treatment maintenance period, after a short period (induction) of using buprenorphine. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Do not swallow this medication, as it will not be as effective if it is swallowed. If you are prescribed more than one tablet each day, you may place all of the tablets under your tongue at once. If this is not possible, then you may place two tablets at a time under your tongue, until they all have dissolved. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval, or withdrawal symptoms may occur. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not inject ("shoot up") buprenorphine/naloxone. Injecting it is dangerous, and you likely will have severe withdrawal symptoms (see Side Effects section) due to the naloxone in this medication, especially if you have been using narcotics such as heroin, morphine or methadone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Buprenorphine/naloxone probably will cause withdrawal symptoms if you use it soon after using narcotics such as heroin, morphine, or methadone. Follow your doctor's instructions for your treatment plan.