Hi everybody, This is Dr. B from Dr. B360 (@DrB360Official on YouTube). Recently, I discussed emergency pain management while on Suboxone, covering traumatic situations like accidents. However, there are three important related points I didn’t address earlier. These points were highlighted by a viewer, myself, and a friend, and I believe understanding them can provide a complete picture and peace of mind. Let’s get started.
In the last video, we covered how emergency responders and ER doctors manage pain when you’re on Suboxone. Now, let’s introduce Sufentanil—a powerful medication related to fentanyl but five to ten times more potent.
Why is Sufentanil important?
It binds more strongly to opioid receptors than Suboxone (buprenorphine).
Unlike regular fentanyl, Sufentanil effectively displaces Suboxone from receptors, quickly providing substantial pain relief.
Where is it used?
Primarily in surgical and ICU settings, especially cardiac surgeries.
Widely utilized in Canada for severe pain scenarios, including treating street medicine complications like abscesses and wounds.
Why isn’t Sufentanil commonly used in emergency medicine in the U.S.?
Lack of awareness among medical professionals.
Limited availability outside highly specialized medical settings.
If you’re ever in an emergency and not getting adequate pain relief due to Suboxone, instruct medical staff to consult anesthesia for medications like Sufentanil.
Concerns arise about emergency pain control for patients on Sublocade—a long-lasting injectable form of buprenorphine. Some fear that Sublocade’s extended release means ineffective emergency pain management. Let’s clarify:
Sublocade doesn’t mean you’re without options.
Even with a recent dose, strong opioid pain medications can still effectively overwhelm Sublocade’s receptor occupancy.
Recent dosing guidelines suggest even high-dose Sublocade can be safely managed with additional opioids if necessary.
Key recommendation:
Carry identification or medical cards indicating your Sublocade treatment, ensuring emergency providers understand your unique pain management needs.
A viewer provided valuable advice:
Avoid obsessing over hypothetical emergency scenarios.
Suboxone and Sublocade are life-saving medications, and worries about extreme “what-if” situations are common across all medical treatments (e.g., diabetes medications during emergencies).
Advice:
Live your life confidently with the tools provided.
Focus on rebuilding coping skills, stability, and overall well-being.
I hope this additional information expands your understanding and eases your concerns about managing pain in emergency situations while on Suboxone or Sublocade. Stay informed and positive!
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. See you soon. Peace!