Is it Safe to Mix Buprenex with Alcohol?

Mixing Alcohol and Buprenex | Side Effects and Interactions

Buprenex should not be mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. MAO inhibitors for depression and first-generation antihistamines should also be avoided.

Side effects of Buprenex use can include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, low libido, male erectile dysfunction, decreased consciousness, respiratory depression, and constricted pupils.

Buprenex can be administered via injection, under the tongue as a sublingual, as a skin patch, as an implant, or by injection. Avoid using Buprenex while breastfeeding.

When Buprenex is combined with other substances, the risk of severe, life-threatening complications increase. Complications can include paralysis, permanent brain damage, and rhabdomyolysis.

What is Buprenex?

Buprenex is a highly-selective analgesic opioid. It’s most commonly used for opioid replacement therapy in the treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenex is also prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain.

Buprenex produces a limiting effect on the function of other more powerful opioids in the body. While taking Buprenex, individuals experience little relief when taking stronger opioids like morphine. This makes Buprenex particularly useful in the management of opioid misuse and abuse. Taking Buprenex makes it difficult for opioid-tolerant persons to “get high” from oxycodone, morphine, heroin, and other similar substances.

Individuals recovering from opioid abuse have the option of continuing Buprenex use, tapering off opioids entirely, or switching to a pill that’s a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone (buprenorphine is the generic name of Buprenex; naloxone is a potent opioid antagonist). The pills are designed so that naloxone remains dormant unless the patient attempts to take a high dose of the drug, at which time naloxone becomes active. Once naloxone is activated, it quickly negates the effects of Buprenex in the body. This can lead to a rapid onset of opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenex binds to specific opioid receptors in the body while simultaneously blocking the activity of other opioid receptors. It has a slow onset and is long-acting. Maximum pain relief is reached within an hour and continues for up to 24 hours. The half-life of Buprenex is 24 to 60 hours.

Mixing Alcohol and Buprenex

Buprenex should never be mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Concomitant use of Buprenex and alcohol can lead to severe respiratory depression and the increased likelihood of overdose. The primary signs of opioid overdose include pinpoint pupils, severely reduced level of consciousness, and acute respiratory depression.

Buprenex is almost entirely metabolized by the liver. Alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to process Buprenex, leading to elevated plasma concentrations of the drug and an increased risk for opioid toxicity.

Summing Up: Side Effects and Interactions of Mixing Alcohol and Buprenex

In summary, Buprenex is an addictive, long-acting opioid that is used in opioid replacement therapy and for the treatment of chronic pain. Buprenex has several contraindications, including the use of other opioids and central nervous system depressants like alcohol. Buprenex should not be mixed with MAO inhibitors, first-generation antihistamines, benzodiazepines like Xanax, or anticonvulsants.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an opioid abuse disorder, The Recovery Village is available to answer any questions you may have. Visit us at www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or contact them toll-free at 855-548-9825 to learn more.