What Drugs Interact with Suboxone? A Quick Guide

Prescription medications such as Suboxone have assisted thousands of people in abstaining from opioids and heroin. However, while these medications have saved many lives, they have negative side effects if mixed with certain medications. Want to know what drugs interact with Suboxone? Read ahead, and let’s find out!

If you or a loved one does not know what drugs interact with Suboxone and has been mixing drugs with Suboxone, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately. A doctor may review your medical history and provide clear information regarding the possible dangers of the different substances and how you may avoid them. To connect with ChoicePoint DEA-certified addiction practitioners, schedule an appointment or call 844.445.2565.

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Interaction of Suboxone with Other Drugs – How Dangerous It Could Be!

According to research, almost 63% of individuals who used Suboxone illegally confessed that they did it to help them remain abstinent from other drugs. Using Suboxone without a doctor’s prescription is highly discouraged. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may interact with Suboxone and have negative side effects. Suboxone is a generally safe medicine for treating opioid addiction. However, it can potentially interact with other drugs and cause a Suboxone overdose. Here is an overview of What Drugs Interact with Suboxone and their harmful effects on the body:

Mixing Suboxone and Opiates 

Consuming opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or fentanyl while consuming Suboxone can be risky. It may lead to respiratory problems, overdose, and even death.

Mixing Suboxone with Xanax

Drugs like Xanax, Valium, or Ativan can greatly enhance the sedative effects of Suboxone. These drugs interact with Suboxone, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression. Consuming Suboxone with these substances can lead to extreme drowsiness, respiratory distress, and overdose.

Mixing Alcohol and Suboxone

Alcohol in itself is an extremely dangerous drug. One that leads to a spiraling addiction. Recovering from one addiction and abusing another substance to addiction can have hazardous consequences. It affects the central nervous system, which leads to increased sedation. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while consuming Suboxone utterly.

Have you been mixing alcohol and suboxone? Contact ChoicePoint and seek urgent help! Call now at 844.445.2565. 

Does Suboxone Have Interactions With Other Prescriptions?

Taking Suboxone with Antidepressants

Suboxone may interact with certain antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Such drugs interact with Suboxone and can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is painful and potentially life-threatening. Some symptoms of the condition include agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and fever.

Mixing Suboxone and Methadone

Mixing Suboxone and Methadone may cause respiratory depression, leading to life-threatening outcomes such as coma or death. Due to the mixing of Suboxone and Methadone, an individual may also be at risk of cardiovascular problems and overdose. It is risky and should be avoided without medical care.

Suboxone Mixed with Adderall

Mixing Suboxone and Adderall may result in potentially harmful consequences such as accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. It may also increase each medication’s negative effects, such as anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Without medical supervision, mixing suboxone and Adderall may be dangerous and should be avoided.

If you recognize one of these medications as something you took or are currently taking while on Suboxone, don’t be frightened. Consult our DEA-certified addiction specialists at ChoicePoint; they provide urgent care and guidelines about what drugs interact with Suboxone. 

How Long Should You Wait Before Taking Suboxone?

Now that you know what drugs interact with Suboxone, let’s consider why it is important to wait before taking Suboxone if you’re already taking other medications. This prescribed waiting time may be crucial because it is critical to begin Suboxone treatment as the early signs of opioid withdrawal appear. Here is how long you should wait in case the following drugs: 

• Short-acting opioids (e.g., heroin): Wait 12-16 hours before starting Suboxone.
• Intermediate or long-acting opioids (e.g., methadone): Wait 17-48 hours before starting Suboxone.
• After the last opioid usage: Wait 12-24 hours before initiating Suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder.

The exact duration may vary from person to person and is determined by the type of opioid taken. This is why it is crucial to consult a trained healthcare provider. 

If you want to speak to someone about what drugs interact with Suboxone and when you may begin Opioid Addiction Treatment, our doctors at ChoicePoint are waiting for you. Get help today!

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Managing the Situation: What to Do If You Mix Medication with Suboxone

Remember, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if an individual has mixed certain drugs with Suboxone. These steps are general guidelines, and the advice of healthcare professionals should always be followed. If someone has mixed medication with Suboxone, here are five steps to take:

1. Evaluate the symptoms and condition of an individual. Look for signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
2. If an individual is experiencing severe symptoms or appears to be in immediate danger, a drug and alcohol abuse hotline or seek medical assistance immediately.
3. Inform the medical professionals about the medications mixed with Suboxone, the approximate quantities, and other relevant details.
4. Unless instructed otherwise by medical professionals, do not attempt to induce vomiting. Vomiting can potentially worsen the situation or cause additional complications.

Don’t be alarmed if you have recently mixed any medication with Suboxone. Consult your doctor to learn what drugs interact with Suboxone and begin treatment immediately. At ChoicePoint, our trained addiction practitioners offer medical detoxification to help an individual’s body get rid of toxins under the constant care of professional doctors. To receive an in-person or virtual consultation, call now at 844.445.2565. We are available virtually statewide in New Jersey, South Jersey, and Montana.