How does Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) work in the brain?
Opioids are any drug derived from, or synthesized to emulate, opium. Examples are; Morphine, heroin, Hydrocodone, oxycodone and methadone, among others. Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, with three main effects; reduced respiration, euphoria, decreased pain. The more opioids ingested the more of an effect. As a person increases their daily intake the brain actually changes and produces more opioid receptors. This is why it takes more opioids for the same effect as the dependence progresses. The process of opioids binding to the opioid receptors can be thought of as a mechanical union, the better the fit the more the opioid effect. Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) binds to the receptors, however, without a perfect fit. As a result the Buprenorphine tends to occupy the receptors without as much of the opioid effect. The receptor is tricked into thinking it has been satisfied with opioids. This in turn prevents that receptor from joining with true opioids. Suboxone (Buprenorphine