Rehab Shares Insight on Antidepressants & Suboxone

Morristown, TN – ReVIDA® Recovery is a local rehab that published an article sharing insights into what antidepressants can be taken with Suboxone. Their program highlights the unique challenges of opioid use disorders and offers outpatient therapy as well as medication-assisted treatment.

“The most common antidepressants are either SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). If you’re currently taking medication for depression, chances are, you’re taking one of these. Both of these classes of antidepressants work to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. This is because serotonin is the chemical ‘messenger’ that helps regulate things like sleep and mood. It relays messages from our brain (or our gut) to the rest of our body and vice versa. Serotonin also plays a role in controlling your appetite, fueling your sex drive, and regulating your behaviors.

Suboxone also works to increase serotonin levels. It has serotonergic effects that are similar to opioids. If your addiction lies in the opioid realm, serotonin boosts are common for you. Your body is used to the heightened levels of serotonin it gets from opioids, so when you stop taking them, you experience withdrawals. Suboxone works to alleviate those withdrawals so you can focus on healing and recovery,” the article reads.

The reason for caution when prescribing Suboxone and an SSRI/SNRI lies in the levels of serotonin present in the system. It is possible to have highly elevated levels of serotonin when taking both Suboxone and specific SSRIs/SNRIs. When serotonin levels are abnormally high, serotonin syndrome sets in. While rare, serotonin syndrome comes with a hefty list of side effects including restlessness or agitation, dilated pupils, chills, headaches, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, and sweating.

Doctors need to be aware of all medications being taken in order to prescribe correctly. Serotonin syndrome is rare, with very few cases being reported that require hospitalizations. Many take Suboxone and antidepressants with no issues. There have been reports that taking antidepressants with Suboxone can increase drowsiness. Experiencing this and other side effects does not mean serotonin syndrome is occurring.

The risk of taking antidepressants and Suboxone is low, but serious interactions with other medications can occur. Some medications and substances have a high risk of interacting with Suboxone including benzodiazepines, alcohol, antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medications, other opioids, and medications containing naltrexone.

“Suboxone, like other opioids, can affect your mood. It binds to the opioid receptors in your brain, so it can cause feelings of mild euphoria, relaxation, or drowsiness. When it wears off or when it’s mixed with other medications, your mood might shift unexpectedly. You may feel happy one moment and frustrated the next. This is especially true if you’re leaving other opioids behind and trying to find recovery, because your brain may still crave the same levels of dopamine and serotonin it had when you were using illicit drugs.

“If you find that you’re experiencing mood swings, or even if you’re feeling uncomfortable with your state of mind while taking Suboxone, discuss it with your doctor. They may decide to lower your dosage or work with you to find another solution,” the article continues.

Suboxone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The most common signs of a reaction are a rash, hives, or itching. More serious allergic reactions include trouble breathing and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. When having a serious allergic reaction, contact medical help immediately.

ReVIDA® Recovery has helped many find their success in recovery from opioid use disorders. They offer locations throughout Tennessee and Virginia that accept Medicaid and have same-day appointments available. They believe in the use of Suboxone as they have seen first-hand the improved outcomes it provides.

To learn more about ReVIDA® Recovery, call 423-631-0432 or visit their website.