© Copyright 2024 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, Patent US Nos. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law. Your doctor can suggest the right ED treatment for you while you’re taking Suboxone. If you have a liver problem, your doctor will likely check your liver function.
Over time, the body can struggle to regulate normal functions, which also increases the risk of falling into a comatose state. The combination of Suboxone and alcohol increases the risk of overdose. We tailor outpatient addiction treatment to the needs of each patient. In addition to medication https://rehabliving.net/ assisted treatment, a patient’s care can include substance abuse counseling, mental health therapy and psychiatry. A current controversy concerning the use of Suboxone and other substitute drugs has arisen. Most people know that Suboxone is a drug used to treat abusers of other substances.
- Here, we describe briefly how alcohol and medications can interact, and we provide a few examples of common medications that could interact negatively with alcohol.
- If you have a liver problem, tell your doctor before starting Suboxone treatment.
- Both Suboxone and opioids can cause serious side effects such as breathing problems, sedation (sleepiness), and coma.
- Drinking heavily while also on Suboxone or other sedating medications is dangerous and inadvisable.
- Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure that you are getting the most out of your medication.
Alcohol functions as a central nervous system depressant, which means it can lead to a slowed heart rate and feelings of sedation. Suboxone is also a central nervous system depressant, and it can lead to similar side effects, especially when taken in large quantities. While not as strong as other opioids, Suboxone can have addictive qualities, especially when combined with another substance like alcohol. Like other narcotics, mixing Suboxone with alcohol can be dangerous. Ophelia-affiliated physician group practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services utilizing the Ophelia telehealth platform.
Suboxone interactions with other medications
Suboxone is a commonly used medication in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, as it combines buprenorphine with naloxone. Buprenorphine helps alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist that promotes treatment adherence. Suboxone’s formula is designed with safety features to support successful recovery. Suboxone sober house boston and alcohol are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which means they slow breathing and heart rates. Combining alcohol and Suboxone can increase the risk of experiencing distressing side effects as well as life-threatening consequences like profound respiratory depression, sedation and coma. You should never mix alcohol and Suboxone, under any circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combining Suboxone & Alcohol
When combining the two drugs, the effects of each heighten due to double the effect on the central nervous system. The danger of mixing these two drugs is that the person will have no control over the effects they may experience. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, which is what reduces withdrawals and cravings. On the other hand, naloxone is a partial opioid antagonist which reduces opioid overdose symptoms.
You nor your loved one are under any obligation to commit to an Ark Behavioral Health treatment program when calling our helpline. Both alcohol and Suboxone are depressants that can cause drowsiness, slower breathing, and cloudy thinking. Drinking alcohol while taking Suboxone can enhance these side effects. If you have questions about taking Chantix or Suboxone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The doctors and clinicians at The Recovery Village can help you break free from addiction; the first step is reaching out. It strongly attaches to opioid receptors, preventing opioids (including buprenorphine) from binding. As a result, Suboxone won’t work if naltrexone is in your system. The interaction may lead to increased opioid cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Substance use disorder is a treatable condition, and the professionals at The Recovery Village Ridgefield can help.
The combination of any two substances is known as “polydrug use,” and it’s hard on the body. The dangers of mixing alcohol with Suboxone are rooted in the fact that Suboxone multiplies the effects of alcohol and alcohol multiplies the effects of Suboxone. This combination can rapidly lead to tolerance, dependence, and a very dangerous situation for the individual due to the heightened side effects of drug and alcohol use. Anyone taking Suboxone as part of a substance abuse treatment program should avoid alcohol as it can lead to serious interactions, relapse, and overdose. Beyond the examples noted above, alcohol has the potential to interact negatively with many other commonly prescribed medications. The resources below can help alert you and your patients to important potential risks.
How do these substances affect the body?
Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Suboxone may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Suboxone contains the drug buprenorphine, which works similarly to opioids. Drugs that work in a similar way may cause the same side effects. Both Suboxone and opioids can cause serious side effects such as breathing problems, sedation (sleepiness), and coma. Taking Suboxone with an opioid may further increase the risk of these side effects.
If you already have a condition that affects this gland, taking Suboxone can make your condition worse. Before taking Suboxone, tell your doctor about any breathing or lung problems you have. These may include asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Health conditions or factors that might interact with Suboxone include the following. Before starting treatment with Suboxone, tell your doctor if you’re taking naltrexone.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Suboxone?
Once you have been attended to and regained stability, be sure to talk to your Suboxone doctor about it. Sometimes, you may take alcohol involuntary due to a pre-existing addiction. Your doctor will work with you to ensure you withdraw from alcohol use and focus on your Suboxone treatment. If you notice that your breathing is slowing, stop drinking and seek medical attention immediately. Slow breathing is a clear sign that you are in real danger, and you need to act quickly. When combined, Suboxone and alcohol can accelerate the side effects of each substance on your respiratory system.