While Suboxone is generally considered safe when taken as prescribed under the supervision of a healthcare professional, it is still possible to overdose on Suboxone, especially if it is misused or in combination with other substances. The risk of overdose is typically lower with Suboxone compared to full opioid agonists.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. It is commonly used in the treatment of opioid dependence, particularly in the management of opioid addiction.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, but to a lesser extent. This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for individuals to stop using opioids. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to discourage misuse of the medication. If Suboxone is taken as prescribed (usually as a sublingual film or tablet placed under the tongue), the naloxone has little to no effect. However, if someone were to crush and inject Suboxone, the naloxone component can cause withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid dependence.
Suboxone is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which also includes counseling and support services. MAT is considered an effective strategy for helping individuals overcome opioid addiction and maintain long-term recovery. It's important to note that the use of Suboxone should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional, and the treatment plan should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances. If you or a loved one suffer from Suboxone misuse or abuse, please reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
Suboxone Overdose
How likely is a suboxone overdose? Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist. It has a ceiling effect, meaning that after a certain dose, taking more does not produce a greater opioid effect. However, if Suboxone is misused, such as crushing and injecting it, the naloxone component may become more active and cause withdrawal symptoms. In cases of misuse or if Suboxone is combined with other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol, there is an increased risk of respiratory depression, which can lead to overdose and even death. Someone who never took opioids before would also be at higher risk of overdosing on Suboxone.
It is crucial for individuals prescribed Suboxone to follow their healthcare provider's instructions carefully and to inform them of any other medications or substances they may be using. Additionally, healthcare providers should be aware of a patient's complete medical history to ensure that Suboxone is a safe and appropriate treatment option.
If someone suspects an overdose or is experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, or loss of consciousness, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately by calling 911.
What Are Suboxone Overdose Symptoms?
A Suboxone overdose can have symptoms similar to those of opioid overdoses.
These are the symptoms of too much suboxone:
- Blurred vision
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Confusion or cognitive impairment
- Pinpoint pupils that do not respond to light
- Seizures
- Weakness or limpness
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bluish or pale skin
- Coma
What is The Treatment for Suboxone Overdose and Addiction?
Suboxone overdose treatment typically involves a combination of medical detoxification, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Medical Detoxification
Medical detoxification is the process of safely withdrawing from Suboxone under medical supervision. In some cases, medication may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help individuals with Suboxone addiction address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to their addiction. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals identify and change harmful thinking patterns and behaviors.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is the use of medication to help individuals manage their addiction and cravings. MAT for Suboxone addiction typically involves the use of buprenorphine or methadone. These medications work by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, but they produce a weaker effect. This can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and make it easier for individuals to stay in treatment and maintain sobriety.
What Should I Do If My Friend is Overdosing On Suboxone?
If you suspect that your friend is experiencing an overdose on Suboxone or any opioid medication, it is essential to take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:
Administer Naloxone Immediately: If naloxone (Narcan) is available, administer it according to the instructions provided. This should be done before calling emergency services. Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It's available in various forms, including nasal spray and injectable.
Call Emergency Services: After administering naloxone (if you have), dial emergency services immediately. In the United States, the emergency number is 911. Provide your location, details of the situation, and follow any instructions given by the dispatcher.
Provide Information to Emergency Responders: When emergency responders arrive, provide them with as much information as possible, including details about the substance your friend may have taken, the symptoms observed, and any interventions you've attempted.
Stay with Your Friend: Remain with your friend and monitor their condition closely. Try to keep them conscious and responsive. If they are unconscious, ensure that their airway is clear and check for breathing.
Perform CPR (if necessary): If your friend stops breathing or their breathing becomes extremely shallow, you may need to perform CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Remember that time is of the essence in the case of an opioid overdose. Quick intervention, such as the administration of naloxone, can be life-saving. It's crucial to involve healthcare professionals as soon as possible.
After the emergency has been addressed, encourage your friend to seek medical attention and speak with a healthcare provider about their situation. Opioid use disorders require comprehensive treatment, and your friend may benefit from support services and counseling to address the underlying issues.
Low Opioid Tolerance and Suboxone Overdose
Opioid tolerance refers to the body's diminished response to opioids over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. In contrast, low opioid tolerance means that an individual has not developed a significant adaptation to the effects of opioids, and lower doses may produce a more pronounced effect.
Having a low opioid tolerance can increase the risk of adverse effects, including overdose, if a person is exposed to opioids, especially at higher doses. It's important for healthcare providers to assess a patient's opioid tolerance when prescribing medications that contain opioids, such as pain relievers or medications used in opioid addiction treatment, like buprenorphine (found in Suboxone).
Patients with low opioid tolerance may experience stronger sedation, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and other opioid-related side effects even at lower doses. This is why healthcare professionals carefully evaluate a person's medical history, current health status, and any prior exposure to opioids before prescribing these medications.
Individuals with low opioid tolerance should use opioid medications under the close supervision and guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of adverse effects. If there are concerns about opioid tolerance or potential risks, it's important to discuss them openly with a healthcare professional.
Which Drugs Interact With Suboxone?
Suboxone and benzodiazepines are both depressants that can dangerously interact with each other. Taking them together can cause impairment, unconsciousness, respiratory failure, coma, and even death. Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that the combined abuse of opioids and benzodiazepines has significantly increased the rate of emergency department visits and overdose deaths.
Other drugs that interact negatively with Suboxone include:
- Antidepressants
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Phenobarbital and other epilepsy treatment
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Methamphetamine (meth)
- Synthetic cannabinoids
A recent study also found that 82% of buprenorphine overdose deaths involved the use of benzodiazepines. Mixing suboxone and cocaine can also be dangerous. There is evidence that combining these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of suboxone and increase the risk of developing a multi-drug addiction.
Prevent A Suboxone Overdose With Treatment at Avenues Recovery
If you or a loved one suffer from Suboxone misuse or abuse, please reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our expert staff are waiting to help you turn your life around. No one is beyond help. We have helped thousands of people break free of their addiction, and we can help you too. Contact Avenues today to join our supportive and caring community and to receive top-notch guidance and counseling on your journey to sobriety. Take your first step today towards a happier, healthier and addiction-free future.