Understanding the Risks: Taking Opioids While on Suboxone

Opioids are among the most widely abused substances today, with much of the abuse stemming from prescription medications many individuals can access. The causes of these addictions can range from trauma to the availability of these drugs, with the consequences of their abuse being both physical and mental.

Fortunately, treatments are available to help people suffering from opioid addiction, such as Suboxone. Wherever you are in the country, you can access Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) treatment, which helps reduce physical dependence on opioids and manage withdrawal symptoms.

However, there are circumstances in which a person may be taking Suboxone and still abuse opioids. While on Suboxone, taking opioids can lead to many dangerous consequences. This article will discuss what happens when you take opioids while on Suboxone.

How Does Suboxone Work to Treat Opioids? 

Suboxoneis a medication used to help people recover from opioid addiction. It contains buprenorphineand naloxone, two components that work together to reduce cravings for opioids and block the effects of other opioids on the brain. Buprenorphine helps prevent withdrawal symptoms by attaching to the same receptors that opioids do, while naloxone prevents people from experiencing the high that comes with opioids.

However, overdosing and abusing Suboxone is still possible, so it is essential to be mindful of the dosage and take the medication as a doctor prescribes. When you talk to your provider, they will also discuss potential drug interactions and the risks of taking other drugs while on Suboxone.

Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms 

When someone is taking Suboxone as part of their opioid addiction treatment plan, it can be challenging to stop taking the medication when it is no longer needed. That is why you must talk to your provider about any concerns about stopping the medication and how best to do so safely.

If you decide to stop taking Suboxone without the help of a doctor, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Common Suboxone withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Muscle aches

• Sweating

• Chills

• Difficulty sleeping

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms due to stopping Suboxone without help from a doctor, seek medical attention right away for the best possible outcome.

Potential Dangers of Taking Opioids While on Suboxone

When taking Suboxone, you should not take other opioids as it can lead to dangerous drug interactions. You must avoid taking illicit substances such as heroin or fentanyl while on Suboxone, as the combination of these drugs can be deadly.

Precipitated withdrawal is another risk associated with taking opioids while on Suboxone. That is when the effects of an opioid drug are enhanced and act too quickly, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms. Because buprenorphine has a higher binding strength on the opioid receptor, it competes for it and replaces existing opioids.

When a patient physically dependent on opioids has a significant amount of opioids removed and replaced from their receptors, it can cause the opioids to lose their effect, resulting in withdrawal symptoms quickly. It is called precipitated withdrawal, which can happen if an antagonist like naloxone or partial agonist like buprenorphine is given to a patient dependent on full agonist opioids.

In the worst-case scenario, overdose is risky when taking opioids while on Suboxone. Because buprenorphine has a ceiling effect – meaning it reaches a point where increasing the dose doesn't provide more of an effect – overdoses are more likely with full agonists like heroin or fentanyl.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking help from a healthcare professional is crucial. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines medication, such as Suboxone, with counseling and behavioral therapies that can help address the underlying causes of addiction.

It is best to talk to your healthcare provider about any drugs you are taking and any drug interactions that could occur when taking Suboxone as part of a treatment plan. If a patient is experiencing any signs of overdose or precipitated withdrawal, seek medical attention immediately.

Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose.

What if I Need to Take Opioids? 

In some some situations, taking opioids while on Suboxone may be necessary, such as prescription opioids for acute pain. In these cases, it is best to talk to your doctor about the risks and how best to manage them.

Surgery or other medical procedures may also require opioid use, and in these cases, it is best to tell your doctor you are taking Suboxone. Depending on the surgery or procedure, your provider may consider allowing you to remain on Suboxone during the procedure, or they may suggest a temporary switch to another medication.

Whatever the circumstance is, talking to your healthcare provider about everything you need to know about taking opioids while on Suboxone is critical to managing your addiction, staying safe, and making sure you get the best possible treatment.

Talk to a Professional 

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, please seek help from a qualified healthcare professional. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines Suboxone counseling and behavioral therapies, can effectively treat opioid addiction. Still, discussing all potential risks and side effects with your provider is essential.

SuboxoneDoctor.com offers professional resources such as treatment centers and doctors specializing in opioid addiction. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the best treatment option that fits yourtheir needs to achieve long-term recovery.

Dealing with opioid addiction may be challenging. However, you don’t need to be alone. Visit SuboxoneDoctor.com to start your recovery journey.