Can You Take Xanax with Suboxone?

Suboxone treatment has helped many people overcome their struggles with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, you should only access Suboxone care from a qualified provider. Undergoing Suboxone treatment with a medical professional can protect you from the dangers of counterfeit Suboxone as well as adverse drug interactions such as those between Suboxone and Xanax. Taking Suboxone with other medications can amplify the effects of both drugs, leading to severe and potentially fatal side effects. If you receive Xanax treatment for anxiety management and are interested in accessing Suboxone care for OUD, it is essential that you consult with your provider about safer alternatives for anxiety treatment. 

To get the answers you need about safe, effective Suboxone care, reach out to the professionals at Confidant Health’s online Suboxone clinic. Our thorough intake assessment considers all medications you take to ensure your safety throughout treatment. With the help of our experts, you'll find the appropriate treatment plan for opioid use disorder and anxiety management. Schedule an assessment with our team today to get started on your road to recovery.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). This medication combines buprenorphine, an opioid partial agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. The buprenorphine interacts with opioid receptors in the brain to produce a milder euphoria than other opioids and alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and is added to minimize the risk of misuse or overdose. 

What Is Xanax?

Xanax, a brand name of the drug alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and insomnia. It is a fast-acting medication, usually producing effects within an hour, so it is most effective for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. 

A healthcare provider may prescribe Xanax to help you manage panic or anxiousness. Xanax works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, significantly increasing feelings of calm and relaxation. Some people receive temporary Xanax treatment after experiencing traumatic events, while others may be prescribed long-term Xanax treatment to manage chronic anxiety and panic symptoms from generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. 

Even when accessing Xanax with a valid prescription, you can experience adverse side effects and develop an addiction to your medication. Following your provider's instructions is critical when receiving Xanax treatment to minimize side effects and the risk of addiction.

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Xanax vs. Suboxone

Xanax and Suboxone are both central nervous system depressants with similar side effects, but their ingredients and intended uses are quite different.

Xanax

Drug Category

Benzodiazepine

Ingredients 

Alprazolam

Uses

Treatment of anxiety symptoms, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and insomnia 

Function

Increases the level of GABA in the brain to induce calm and relaxation

Side Effects 

• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Poor coordination
• Low libido
• Slurred speech
• Low blood pressure

Suboxone

Drug Category

Opioid 

Ingredients 

Buprenorphine and naloxone

Uses

Treatment of opioid use disorder

Function

Attaches to opioid receptors in the brain to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings

Side Effects 

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Irregular heartbeat

Can You Take Suboxone with Xanax?

It is not recommended that you take Suboxone and Xanax together. Adverse side effects can occur from Xanax and Suboxone interactions. Combining benzodiazepines and opioids, two central nervous system depressants, can slow vital functions to dangerously low levels.

Some potential Xanax and Suboxone interactions are:

• Excessive sleepiness
• Slowed breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Coma
• Fatality

In addition to Xanax, there are other medications you should not take with Suboxone. Be sure to notify any healthcare provider you visit about all medications you are taking to help prevent complications, such as those from Xanax and Suboxone interactions. 

What to Do If You Have Mixed Suboxone and Xanax Together

Some people mix Suboxone and Xanax together without realizing the adverse interactions these two medications can have. If you have taken Suboxone and Xanax together, or any combination of opioid and benzodiazepine, you should reach out to your provider right away. They can determine whether you need emergency treatment or if you need an immediate change in anxiety medication. It is also important to note that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that produces the same negative interactions with Suboxone as Xanax and other benzodiazepines. It is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol while receiving both Suboxone and Xanax treatment. 

To prevent complications while receiving Suboxone treatment, you should always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking. Your primary care physician can address anxiety or insomnia with a different medication that doesn't have the same potential for negative interactions as benzodiazepines like Xanax do.

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What Other Anxiety Medications Are Safe with Suboxone?

It's understandable that you may be hesitant to stop taking your prescribed Xanax if it provides much-needed anxiety relief. Although it is not recommended to combine benzodiazepines like Xanax with Suboxone, that doesn't mean you have to give up on your anxiety treatment. There are other anxiety medications that do not put you at risk of adverse interactions. 

Some safer alternatives for anxiety management when receiving Suboxone treatment are:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Celexa (citalopram)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

SSRIs and SNRIs are intended for the long-term treatment of anxiety and do not provide immediate relief for anxiety symptoms like Xanax. However, they may provide a safer way to manage anxiety while you are receiving Suboxone treatment. If you plan to ask your provider about Suboxone care, be sure to inform them of your Xanax treatment. 

In addition to medication, you can also find relief from anxiety symptoms with behavioral and holistic therapies, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Trauma therapy
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
• Nutritional supplements

Therapies can provide short- and long-term relief from anxiety by helping support a healthy stress response and teaching you to self-soothe with relaxation techniques. There is usually no risk of adverse interactions with Suboxone when receiving behavioral or holistic therapies; however, you should consult your provider before taking nutritional supplements for anxiety as some of these can negatively interact with Suboxone.

Learn How to Treat OUD and Anxiety Safely with Confidant Health

If you receive Xanax treatment from your provider to manage anxiety or insomnia, you may be concerned that Suboxone care is not an option for you. However, you can find relief from anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings without endangering your health. The online Suboxone doctors at Confidant Health can tailor a safe, effective treatment program for OUD and anxiety. Get started today by scheduling an assessment so we can help you achieve your goals for your mental health and OUD recovery.

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