Does Suboxone Get You High?

Suboxone is a narcotic drug that is used to treat opiate addiction and manage chronic pain. It contains 2 drugs - one to reduce the effects of withdrawal, and one to reduce cravings for opiates.

How Suboxone Works

When an individual takes oxycodone or other types of opiates, their brain releases dopamine molecules which provide the euphoria that comes with addiction. Suboxone contains a "partial opioid agonist" which means it triggers the receptors in the brain to release less dopamine. As a result, someone addicted to oxycodone could take suboxone instead of their much more dangerous drug of choice, and not receive the “high” effects. 

Suboxone also contains an "antagonist" - meaning it blocks opiate receptors. The antagonist in Suboxone is called Naloxone. When someone without a prescription takes oxycodone, the drug releases all of its dopamine and they feel high. If they take suboxone instead, the antagonists in the drug bind to those receptors and block them from releasing any dopamine. This means taking any other opiate will have no desired effect for the user, making it much less likely they will use drugs.

Why Suboxone is so Effective

Suboxone is much more effective than other similar drugs because it contains both the partial agonist (less dopamine) and the antagonist (blocks opiate receptors). This makes it incredibly difficult to abuse, which made it a popular choice for doctors who treat opioid addiction.

What to Expect When Taking Suboxone

When someone takes suboxone, the most common side effects are drowsiness, light-headedness, dry mouth, and/or nose. These effects are temporary and usually subside within 30 minutes to an hour after taking suboxone. However, if you feel any dizziness or nausea (unlikely but possible), call your doctor immediately.

If the patient is suffering from opioid withdrawal when they take the Suboxone they can expect near-immediate relief from the following symptoms:

-sweating

-decreased appetite

-increased body temperature (fever)

-goosebumps on the skin, usually arms or legs sometimes feet or hands

-runny nose (watery eyes)

-loss of energy, feeling tired

-hot flashes, chills

-increased heart rate (could be dangerous)

-anxiety or fear

-dilated pupils

-excessive yawning