A New Beginning... A New Outlook... A New You... Explanation of Your 1st Visit (Using In-Office Supply) SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine HCl/naloxone HCl dihydrate) sublingual tablet Your first visit is generally the longest, and may last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. When preparing for your first office visit, there are a couple of logistical issues you may want to consider. You may not want to return to work after your visit-this is very normal, so just plan accordingly Because SUBOXONE can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment, driving yourself home after the first visit is generally not recommended, so you may want to make arrangements for a ride home. It is very important to arrive for your first visit already experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal symptoms. If you are in withdrawal, buprenorphine will help lessen the symptoms. However, if you are not in withdrawal, buprenorphine will "override" the opioids already in your system, which will cause severe withdrawal symptoms. The following guidelines are provided to ensure that you are in withdrawal for the visit. (If this concerns you, it may help to schedule your first visit in the morning: some patients find it easiest to skip what would normally be their first dose of the day.) No methadone or long-acting painkillers for at least 24 hours No heroin or short-acting painkillers for at least 4 to 6 hours Bring ALL medication bottles with you to your first appointment. Before you can be seen by the doctor, all of your paperwork must be completed, so bring all your completed forms with you or arrive about 30 minutes early. In addition, you will need to pay the doctor's fees prior to treatment. Urine drug screening is a regular feature of SUBOXONE therapy, because it provides physicians with important insights into your health and your treatment. Your first visit will include urine drug screening, and may also entail a Breathalyzer®* test and blood work. If you haven't had a recent physical exam, your doctor may require one either now or soon afterwards. To help ensure that SUBOXONE is the best treatment option for you, the doctor will perform a substance dependence assessment and mental status evaluation. In addition, you and your physician will discuss SUBOXONE treatment, what it involves, and what your expectations of treatment are. After this initial intake, your doctor will give you a dose of SUBOXONE. Your response to the medication will be evaluated after 1 hour and possibly again after 2 hours. Once the doctor is comfortable with your response, you will be allowed to go home. The doctor will schedule your next visit and give you directions for taking your medication at home. In addition, you will receive instructions on how to contact your doctor in case of emergency, as well as information about your treatment. CHECKLIST FOR 1st VISIT: Arrive with a full bladder Arrive experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal symptoms Bring completed forms (or come 30 minutes early). Also see our Patient Forms Category or Contact Us for the required forms. Bring ALL medication bottles Fees due at time of visit (cash or check) *Breathalyzer is a registered trademark of Indiana University Foundation. RETURN TO TOP Explanation of Your 1st Visit (No In-Office Supply) SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine HCl/naloxone HCl dihydrate) sublingual tablet Your first visit is generally the longest, and may last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. When preparing for your first office visit, there are a couple of logistical issues you may want to consider. You may not want to return to work after your visit-this is very normal, so just plan accordingly Because SUBOXONE can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment, driving yourself home after the first visit is generally not recommended, so you may want to make arrangements for a ride home. It is very important to arrive for your first visit already experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal symptoms. If you are in withdrawal, buprenorphine will help lessen the symptoms. However, if you are not in withdrawal, buprenorphine will "override" the opioids already in your system, which will cause severe withdrawal symptoms. The following guidelines are provided to ensure that you are in withdrawal for the visit. (If this concerns you, it may help to schedule your first visit in the morning: some patients find it easiest to skip what would normally be their first dose of the day.) No methadone or long-acting painkillers for at least 24 hours No heroin or short-acting painkillers for at least 4 to 6 hours Bring ALL medication bottles with you to your first appointment. Before you can be seen by the doctor, all of your paperwork must be completed, so bring all your completed forms with you or arrive about 30 minutes early. In addition, you will need to pay the doctor's fees prior to treatment. Urine drug screening is a regular feature of SUBOXONE therapy, because it provides physicians with important insights into your health and your treatment. Your first visit will include urine drug screening, and may also entail a Breathalyzer®* test and blood work. If you haven't had a recent physical exam, your doctor may require one. To help ensure that SUBOXONE is the best treatment option for you, your doctor will perform a substance dependence assessment and mental status evaluation. Lastly, you and your doctor will discuss SUBOXONE and your expectations of treatment. After this portion of your visit is completed, your doctor will give you a SUBOXONE prescription. You fill the prescription at the pharmacy and return to the doctor's office so you can take the medication in a safe place where the medical staff can monitor your response. Your response to the medication will be evaluated after 1 hour and possibly again after 2 hours. Once the doctor is comfortable with your response, you can schedule your next visit and go home. Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of any medications you take at home to control withdrawal symptoms. You will also receive instructions on how to contact your doctor in an emergency, as well as additional information about treatment. CHECKLIST FOR 1st VISIT: Arrive with a full bladder Arrive experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal symptoms Bring completed forms (or come 30 minutes early). Also see our Patient Forms Category or Contact Us for the required forms. Bring ALL medication bottles Fees due at time of visit (cash or check) *Breathalyzer is a registered trademark of Indiana University Foundation. RETURN TO TOP Home Page | About Us | Signs of Dependence | F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)  | Treatment Information  | Your First Appointment | Patient Forms | Internet Links  | Privacy Policy  | Contact Subox-Detox Center  | e-mail Subox-Detox Center  | Make "Subox-Detox Center" your Home Page Copyright ©2006, 2007 Subox-Detox Center (All Rights Reserved) The Contents and Graphics of the "Subox-Detox Center" MAY NOT be copied or reproduced in any form without our consent. You may also view our Privacy Policy.