What Happens if You Take Drugs While on Suboxone?

Suboxone is a brand-name prescription medication that has buprenorphine, a compound that is derived from the drug naloxone. The drug is utilized for the treatment of opioid dependency and is often used as part of a holistic recovery treatment program for opioid dependence known as medication-assisted therapy. The buprenorphine component enables the drug to attach to opioid receptors and stop withdrawal symptoms when a user ceases to take opioids. The drug is known as having a "ceiling effect" that restricts the person's response to this drug, even with increased dose. It produces less powerful effects that include euphoria and euphoria when in comparison to other opioid drugs.1 In the end, there is a decreased danger of adverse side effects like slow or even stopped breathing. These properties of buprenorphine lower the chance of abuse and reduce the negative effects of physical dependence to opioids. They help users gradually wean off opioids without risk. The naloxone component functions by binding to opioid receptors and preventing other opioids, such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl from causing the addicting high-euphoric sensations.2 If suboxone is abused to try to get high, the naloxone will hinder the buprenorphine part of this drug, preventing it from binding the opioid receptors, making the person experience the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. By its actions, suboxone can effectively block the effects of opioids that induce euphoria as well as prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms and permit those suffering from opioid addiction to transition back to a lifestyle of sobriety. Access to 24/7 free, confidential assistance via text. Sign up to text support to get help now. What Drugs Can Interact With Suboxone? If you're currently on Suboxone or your doctor is considering prescribing this medication to you, it is important to fully understand if Suboxone can cause negative reactions when used in conjunction with other drugs. This is particularly the case for drugs that act on the central nervous system. It's extremely risky to take benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium, while receiving suboxone treatment. Suboxone and benzodiazepines both suppress the central nervous system. Both can result in impairment, confusion, respiratory failure, coma, or even death if used together.3 Based on data reviewed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2004-2011, in the period between 2004 and 2011 the combined use of benzodiazepines with opioids dramatically increased the number of emergency department visits , and nearly doubled the number of overdose deaths.4 The dangers of mixing these substances was also highlighted in results in a new study that revealed that 82% of buprenorphine overdose deaths involved the usage of benzodiazepines.5 There is also a warning against mixing suboxone and cocaine. There is evidence that suggests that mixing these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of suboxone.6 Individuals who mix these drugs demonstrate low motivations to remain clean and are more at likelihood of developing a multiple-drug addiction. It is depressant-like and when mixed with Suboxone, it can result in an increase in depression of the central nervous system. The consequences when mixing suboxone and alcohol may include:3 Low blood pressure Breathing is slow Deep sleep Coma Death The results of a study looking at opioid-associated deaths found that alcohol was a factor in more than half of all buprenorphine poisonings that resulted in overdose death.5 Treatment Options Suboxone can be extremely beneficial as a substitute medication that offers a more safe profile than other opioid drugs. Although it's a crucial part of medication-assisted therapy designed to transition people off of their addiction to opioids, there are risks with the use of suboxone. The buprenorphine component in suboxone is a habit-forming drug, as it is an opioid agonist that elicits several of the same effects as other opioid drugs, and some people can end up abusing this drug.1 If used in the prescribed manner, suboxone can be an effective treatment for those suffering from opioid addiction. When combined with the correct treatment plans by addiction experts, Suboxone can be an effective tool to help those dependent on opioids overcome their addiction. It is crucial to ensure that your treatment and use of Suboxone are closely monitored to ensure lasting successful outcomes.