Suboxone is a brand name prescription medicine that is buprenorphine in combination with naloxone. It is used in the treatment of opioid dependency and is often as part of a complete recovery program for opioid addiction referred to as medication-assisted therapy. The buprenorphine component enables the drug to connect with opioid receptors and stop withdrawal symptoms once the user stops taking opioids. The drug is known as having a "ceiling effect" which limits the user's response to this drug even in the case of a higher dose. This produces much weaker effects such as euphoria compared to other opioid drugs.1 In the end, there is a decreased chance of developing dangerous side consequences like slowed or stopped breathing. Buprenorphine's characteristics reduce the risk of misuse and lessen the impact of physical dependency to opioids, which help users gradually wean off opioids safely. The naloxone ingredient works by binding to opioid receptors and preventing other opioids, such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl from generating the addiction-inducing high-euphoric sensations.2 If suboxone is abused to achieve high, the naloxone can hinder the buprenorphine part of Suboxone's binding with the opioid receptors, causing sufferers experience the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. By its actions, suboxone can successfully block the euphoric effects of opioids to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and help those suffering from an addiction to opioids to return to a healthy existence of sobriety. Free, 24/7, secure assistance via SMS. Sign up to text support to receive help immediately. What Drugs Can Interact With Suboxone? If you're taking Suboxone or your physician might be thinking about prescribing this drug to you, it is important to fully understand if the drug will react negatively when taken with other drugs. This is especially true for drugs that work on the central nervous system. It's very risky to use benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium when you are receiving suboxone treatment. Suboxone and benzodiazepines both affect the central nervous system and could cause impairment, insanity or respiratory failure, coma or even death when taken together.3 Based on the data reviewed in an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration In the time between 2004 and 2011, the combination abuse of benzodiazepines and opioids significantly raised the rate of emergency room visits and nearly tripled the rate of overdose deaths.4 The dangers of mixing the two drugs was also demonstrated in findings from a study which revealed that 82% of buprenorphine overdoses were caused by the use of benzodiazepines.5 The public is also warned not to mix cocaine and suboxone. There is evidence to suggest that mixing these two substances can decrease the effectiveness of suboxone.6 People who combine both substances show a lack of motivation to remain clean and are more at risk of developing a multidrug addiction. Alcohol can be a depressant, when combined with Suboxone, it may create an increased depression in the central nervous system. The effects of mixing alcohol and suboxone can be as follows: 3 Low blood pressure Slow breathing Deep sleep Coma Death The results of a study looking at opioid-associated deaths found that alcohol was a factor in over half of all cases of buprenorphine poisoning resulting in overdose death.5 Treatment Options Suboxone can be very beneficial as a substitute medication that offers a more safe profile as compared to other opioid drugs. Although it is a key component of the medication-assisted therapy that is designed to transition people off of their addiction to opioids there are some risks that come with its use. The buprenorphine component of suboxone may cause addiction, because it is an opioid agonist which produces numerous of the same results as other opioid drugs as well as some users may become addicted to the drug.1 However, if used according to the prescription, suboxone is an effective treatment for people suffering from opioid addiction. When combined with the correct treatment plans provided by addiction professionals, Suboxone can be an effective aid to people who are dependent on opioids to overcome their addiction. It is important to ensure your treatment and use of Suboxone is closely monitored to ensure lasting success.