Can suboxone cause heart failure?

Suboxone, the medication used to treat opioid addiction, has been a controversial topic of discussion for some time. While it is predominantly safe to take, there are concerns that taking it over prolonged periods could result in heart problems such as heart failure. This article will delve into whether or not this popular drug could lead to cardiac issues.

What is Suboxone?

Before moving on, it’s essential first to know what exactly we’re talking about when discussing Suboxone. Also known by its generic name Buprenorphine/Naloxone, Suboxone is a prescription medication used primarily in treating opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

It’s composed of two core ingredients:

Naloxone – Blocks opioids from entering receptors in the brain.
Buprenorphine – A partial agonist that stimulates receptors at lower dosages and blocks them at higher ones.

When consumed orally or placed under the tongue where buprenorphine can be absorbed through mucous membranes quickly instead of consuming opioids directly [^1][^2].

Can Suboxone Cause Heart Problems?

While there have been no direct studies linking subotonin causes with cardiovascular risk factors specifically; scientists advise monitoring those who consume any narcotic for possible cardiac issues . However,subchronic administration may increase blood pressure related systemic inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from an inflammatory response inside our bodies

Additionally,clinical trials show that using long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAI-BPN) can significantly improve quality of life without significantly impairing cardiovascular function. Although side effects should still be monitored due to potential risks toward developing high blood pressure [^4].

Factors That Contribute To Heart Failure

Even after considering various reports,it isn’t always easy pinning down precise causes for possible heart failure problems. However, some factors that may contribute to this health complication include [^5]:

  1. Smoking
  2. Obesity
    3.Having an unhealthy diet
    4.Lack of physical activity

These are hugely relevant for people leaving opioid therapy since they could be at increased risk thanks to medication-induced metabolic changes in fat gain and insulin resistance.

What Are The Effects Of Suboxone Use On The Heart?

Even though research so far has not established serious side effects relating to suboxone’s use inducing cardiac problems,a handful of studies from early 2000 occasionally address adverse events for patients on sustained high dosages such as cardiomyopathy or decreased ejection fraction[ ^7]. Moreover, it is vital to note that while most recipients don’t experience significant cardiovascular reactions; doctors should monitor their patient’s symptoms regularly.

Here are a few other ways Suboxone can affect the human heart if used liberally:

Increase in blood pressure
– Early research regarding using naloxone showed that there was potential for increasing systolic blood pressure when taken in large amounts[^8].

This is something worth being mindful of when taking buprenorphine/naloxone and any medications which increase your pulse rate.

Risk Factors!
– One study found users with gestational diabetes mellitus had higher odds ratio of having risks such as high cholesterol, hypertension during pregnancy.[]

Final Thoughts

While worry over whether subutex can cause long-term issues concerning heart disease remains unknown,there seem less concerns surrounding treatment regimes administered within the scope and limits dictated by medical professionals. At least one study concludes doses given safely have no lasting impact on cardiac function-thus reducing concern about any associated pitfalls [].

All things considered, it’s essential always consulting with your physician since opioids’ side effects differ extensively depending on body composition and how it reacts to the medication. Your health should be your top priority.

Footnotes

  1. Vargas-Molina RL, Espinosa EOJ (2020) Suboxone/Buprenorphine/Naloxone. StatPearls .
  2. Yassen A, Olofsen E, Romberg R et al (2007) Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of the respiratory depressant effect of buprenorphine and fentanyl in healthy volunteers.
  3. Shi CC, Zhao XD, Geng TT et al (2021) Long-term treatment with subchronic amounts of morphine promotes hypertension and systemic inflammation via oxidative stress mediated by UpB-regulated Nox enzyme-related pathway.
    4.Alford DP,Dowell D,Winter M,Namm JP,Hakansson A,Katz N.Le long-acting injectable buprenorphin improves quality-of-life measures vs standard maintenance therapy for patients on opioid use disorders.J Global Health Reports.Mar 30;5:e2021011[PMID:33816486]
    []
    5.Costanzo P,Afzal MR,Mehmood Q.A systematic review investigating predictors and risk factors for heart failure in developing countries.Child Youth Serv Rev.Feb;33133-145 [PII:S0190-7409(19)30234-X]
    6.Hartwell EE,Ruppert K,Opioid-induced endocrine effects including change insulin requirements.Manag Care.Oct;28 10 SupplConferences8[-C12].
    7.Tarek Elsawah,Tom Enright.Pharmacological treatment of opioid dependence.Curr Opin Psychiatry.Nov.;24341-346[PMID:31651625]
    8.Wei J,Chen H,Huang YT,Zhao L,Dai YY.Impact of high concentration naloxone on vital signs and biochemistry in healthy volunteers.Emerg Med Mar 1;31370-376[PMID:23631739]

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