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As with any other medicine, the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drug Suboxone® can interact with other prescriptions. Since many MAT patients also have mental health disorders like ADHD, they may take additional medications like Adderall. In any situation, MAT patients have to consider the dangers of Suboxone and Adderall taken together. Learn more about these medications and their interactions.
A patient who participates in MAT may take a form of buprenorphine to reduce their cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone, a buprenorphine compound, also contains naloxone. This combination makes Suboxone popular because the naloxone deters drug misuse and diversion, helping patients stay committed to treatment.
When someone receives Suboxone-based MAT, they can fill a prescription at their pharmacy and take the medicine at home. Buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect,” which stops increasing in effectiveness after a certain amount. As a result, the patient has a lower risk of experiencing euphoria from the medicine or side effects.
Adderall includes two medications — dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. These compounds work together to reduce the symptoms of ADHD or narcolepsy by stimulating the central nervous system. In ADHD patients, it addresses focus issues and problems with impulse control. Meanwhile, it relieves the excessive sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks associated with narcolepsy.
Your doctor may prescribe one of two forms of Adderall — Adderall or Adderall XR. Standard Adderall is immediately released into the body when you take it, so you have fast symptom relief and shorter effects. The XR in Adderall XR stands for “extended release.” As its name suggests, Adderall XR has a prolonged release, giving you longer-lasting results.
The research we have on stimulants and depressants suggests that Adderall and Suboxone pose risks when taken together. Suboxone counts as a central nervous system depressant, while we consider Adderall a stimulant. This means that we can make some guesses on their interactions based on existing evidence related to these two types of drugs.
Combining a stimulant and depressant may increase any resulting euphoria, but they also increase the associated risks. People who misuse drugs combine opioids with stimulants to make a drug effect known as a “speedball.” Evidence shows that these substances create a greater effect when taken together. However, they also increase the person’s risk of side effects and overdose.
If you take Adderall and have MAT, we recommend letting all of your medical providers know about your prescriptions. Remember to tell them about every medicine you take, including herbal supplements and vitamins. Your MAT team and doctors outside the clinic want to know about your medications to avoid potential interactions.
Do you need help recovering from opioid use disorder? Our compassionate addiction specialists can give you the support you need. Every patient at Health Care Resource Centers receives respectful treatment and a personalized care plan. We welcome you to contact our staff today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
