The Effects of Mixing Subutex and Alcohol

What could possibly happen to someone under subutex treatment who is taking alcohol at the same time? Subutex is a pill that is generally used in narcotic drug treatment programs. The problem is that this drug is itself addictive. The effects of mixing subutex and alcohol are way beyond the individual effects when each is taken independently. It is never a good idea to take any other medicine or substance while on subutex treatment unless supervised by a health professional.

Subutex Side Effects

Subutex, a well-known buprenorphine drug, has the following side effects:

• Sleepiness
• Vertigo
• Feebleness
• Constipation
• Narrow and deep breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Abdominal spasms
• Liver disease
• Yellow eyes
• Blurred vision

It is important to note that alcohol intake while on subutex treatment can increase the above side effects or worse can cause death from overdose or improper use. Although the effects of mixing subutex with alcohol are generally known, combining it with other drugs, prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medications will have unpredictable but more severe results, depending on the individual.

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Other Drugs

• Suboxone
• Burprenorphine
• Methadone
• Opiates
• Painkillers

Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

The main purpose of subutex as a medication is to avert the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms by activating the brain’s opiate receptors. Long-term use of subutex can cause withdrawal symptoms normally associated with heroin dependents. The good thing is that subutex withdrawal has milder symptoms than those with methadone and other opioids. Each person will display different symptoms with varying degrees. However, the most common symptoms include head cold or flu-like signs, body pains, sweats, insomnia, nausea, mood fluctuations, and a lack of appetite.

The opiate receptors of the brain have greater affinity to subutex than the other substances such as methadone and heroin, resulting in a reduced or eliminated desire to take those drugs. When compared to other opiates, subutex has weaker effects; hence, people using it tend to feel rather normal.

Help For Subutex And Alcohol Addiction

Treatment for addiction to subutex and alcohol as a rule commences by seeking advice from a healthcare professional. Seeing a qualified healthcare provider is a matter that should not be taken lightly. People who greatly observe that their alcohol usage seriously interferes with their subutex treatment and harms their health condition in general should notify their doctors at once. If they suspect they cannot pursue their treatment without an intake of even a small amount of alcohol, physicians can help find suitable ways to avoid the possibility of mixing alcohol and subutex.

Subutex is available in tablet form and can be taken orally by dissolving it slowly under the tongue. The normal regimen for taking subutex is once daily. Your specific dosage will typically depend on the kind and amount of other opioids medications you are currently taking, for example. Once you started the medication, it is highly recommended that you go on with the treatment without disruption because stopping the medication too hastily will lead to extremely dangerous consequences.

What Is a Safe Level of Drinking?

Although general guidelines exist to help people determine how much alcohol they can safely drink, the recommended limits do not guarantee safety for all people at all times. Many different factors must be taken into consideration.

Drug use has no known safe levels. There is always some risk associated with using any type of drug, and even those intended for medication carry the same threat. Thus you would do well to exercise great caution when about to take a drug. Often subutex used in the treatment of opiate dependence requires regular medical attention. Depending on your doctor, you may be required to visit his or her clinic weekly or monthly to get your maintenance. Skipping a maintenance schedule is discouraged, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms to occur.

If you or someone you know is addicted to subutex and alcohol, check with your doctor as early as possible to know which strategy can deal with the addiction best. To learn more about the effects of mixing subutex and alcohol or to find help, please call our free helpline.