How does buprenorphine effect the brain?

Buprenorphine works in two ways. First, it displaces other opioids from the receptors they occupy in the brain. Then, it binds tightly to these same receptors, so that other opioids cannot occupy them. People who take buprenorphine do not experience withdrawal symptoms or strong cravings for other opioids.

Does buprenorphine cause memory loss?

Some studies have shown substantial memory deficits among OD patients in methadone treatment even after years of treatment [9,10]. Also, buprenorphine-treated patients may show poor memory function [11,12].

Can Subutex cause anxiety?

Some of the psychiatric Subutex side effects that may occur include insomnia, anxiety, and depression. In rare cases, severe Subutex side effects can include problems breathing, blurry vision, confusion, shallow breathing, or unusual feelings of tiredness or weakness.

Is Subutex safe for long-term use?

Long-Term Effects The long-term health effects of Subutex abuse are relatively mild when compared with full agonist opioids. Some of these dangers are associated with exacerbations of pre-existing health conditions, including reactive airway disease (e.g., asthma) and liver disease.

Can Suboxone cause psychosis?

Buprenorphine is widely used in managing opioid dependence and is primarily a partial mu agonist and kappa antagonist at the opioid receptors. Buprenorphine also has possible effects on mood. In addition, buprenorphine has been reported to both cause psychosis4,5 and have possible antipsychotic6 properties.

Does buprenorphine release serotonin?

Buprenorphine’s ability to increase serotonin levels is why some medical professionals believe that it is a valid treatment for depression, but this serotonin-boosting effect can easily go too far. Never use this drug with depression drugs like SSRIs or any type of stimulant.

Can Subutex cause erectile dysfunction?

For example, a 2012 study showed that about 83 percent of men who used buprenorphine (an active ingredient in Suboxone) experienced low sexual satisfaction and some form of sexual dysfunction, including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and low sex drive.

Can Subutex cause depression?

Respiratory depression is perhaps the most severe of the side effects of Suboxone. It is also a fairly common effect of the drug, occurring in 1-10 percent of patients, according to Drugs.com. If users experience this side effect, they should seek medical help immediately.

What does Suboxone do to you mentally?

The reality is that Suboxone can, in fact, alter the brain’s chemistry and affect behavior, especially upon abrupt cessation. Side effects can include mood swings, such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. Suboxone also has a very high potential for diversion and abuse.

Does buprenorphine affect dopamine?

Buprenorphine and methadone both raise dopamine to normal levels of 40 to 60 nanograms per deciliter, but only 10% of patients are on the medications. In addition, low dopamine patients have difficulties with retaining information because long-term memory cannot settle in the hippocampus.

What kind of drug is Subutex and what are the side effects?

Subutex is one brand-name formulation of a medication known as buprenorphine. As a partial opioid agonist-antagonist, buprenorphine shares some properties with other opioid substances such as: Heroin. Oxycodone. Hydrocodone. Morphine.

What are the side effects of snorting Subutex?

If users inject or snort significant quantities of Subutex (100% buprenorphine), they may feel extremely dizzy and confused, struggle to breathe, lose consciousness, or die. The drug can be abused, and can have dire effects.

Are there any side effects to taking Suboxone?

Misuse or overdose of Suboxone can increase the chances for severe respiratory depression. Another fairly common side effect of the drug is the incidence of anxiety, depression, and nervousness. These effects should be monitored as they can potentially lead to opioid relapse.

Is it safe to take Subutex for opioid addiction?

When taken appropriately, Subutex is not harmful. However, it may indeed be harmful and addictive when misused. Although Subutex is meant to treat opioid dependence, it is an opioid substance itself. Perhaps ironically, it can thus be abused, and its misuse can eventually lead to addiction.