Opioid addiction is a severe epidemic in the United States. More than 13 million people worldwide struggle with opioid addiction. Suboxone is a medication used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people trying to quit opioids. It is essential to know that some medications should not be taken with Suboxone.
Read on to learn more about Suboxone, how it works, and which medications to avoid.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication that is used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. It means that it binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but it produces a weaker effect. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It means that it blocks the effects of other opioids.
Suboxone is used as a part of a treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapy. It is essential to follow the instructions of your doctor when taking Suboxone.
What Medications and Drugs Should You Avoid With Suboxone?
1) Alcohol
Alcohol contains a chemical called ethanol. When taken with Suboxone, this can cause drowsiness and dizziness. It can also lead to slowed breathing and an increased risk of overdose.
An overdose of depressants will cause a person to stop breathing, which can be fatal.
2) Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Other Stimulants
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction and works by blocking the effects of opioids. Stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine can counteract the effects of Suboxone, making it less effective at treating addiction. In some cases, taking stimulants while on Suboxone can even lead to relapse. Relapse is when someone trying to quit using drugs starts using again.
3) Antibiotics
There are a variety of antibiotics that should not be taken with Suboxone. These include erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid. Taking these antibiotics with Suboxone can increase the levels of Suboxone in your blood, leading to serious side effects. For example, you may experience slowed breathing or even a coma.
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is safe to take with Suboxone. The timeline for suboxone treatment is different for everyone, based on:
- The severity of addiction
- How long have you been using opioids
- Your overall health
Read more: What Is the Longest Someone Should Be on Suboxone?
4) Antifungal Medications
Antifungal medicines like fluconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole can all increase the levels of Suboxone in your body. Mixing these with Suboxone can lead to serious side effects like drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Talk to your doctor first if you need to take any of these medications.
Contact Midwest Pain Clinics for the best suboxone treatment in Omaha. We offer various treatment options to help you get your life back on track.
