Treatment Options for Anxiety From Suboxone Use

Suboxone is a drug used to treat opiate addiction. It is an opioid receptor antagonist that works by blocking the positive effects of opiates in the brain. According to Drugs.com, 12 percent of patients treated with suboxone experienced anxiety as a side effect. There are many options for treating suboxone-induced anxiety, including prescription medications, herbal remedies and changes in outlook and lifestyle.

Prescription Anxiolytics

• Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medications in the U.S. They work by affecting levels of GABA---a neurotransmitter implicated in many anxiety-related disorders. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, benzodiazepines are effective in slowing nerve impulses in the body, leading to sedation and a reduction in anxiety. Drugs in this class include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium and Ativan. In someone with a history of addiction, doctors may be reluctant to prescribe them due to the potential for abuse and addiction.

  Prescription antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta blockers and sedatives may also be used in the treatment of suboxone-induced anxiety.

Herbal Remedies

• Valerian---sometimes referred to as "Nature's Valium"---is among the most commonly used herbal anxiety remedies in the U.S. Like benzodiazepines, it is thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA. According to American Academy of Family Physicians, valerian reduces subjective feelings of anxiety and, when taken with the herb kava, can cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate reaction.

  Valerian is combined with other sedating herbs like passionflower or hops in many over-the-counter preparations. According to National Institutes of Health, passionflower is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, often causing fewer side effects than the prescription drug oxazepam. Other herbal remedies that may be effective in treating suboxone-induced anxiety include catnip, skullcap, kava, chamomile and marjoram.

Lifestyle Approaches

• While they may not be the direct cause of suboxone-induced anxiety, outlook and lifestyle factors can play an important role in contributing to anxiety.

  Incorporating positive coping skills can help you stay calm in the midst of anxiety. Deep breathing exercises, counting and meditation are among the most popular. Counseling and psychotherapy are often recommended for those suffering from anxiety of any origin. Journaling can also be cathartic in releasing emotions related to anxiety and is an effective way to track your progress in both sobriety and anxiety management.

  In some cases, changing the dosage or time at which you take suboxone can help alleviate side effects like anxiety. Like all other treatment options, the decision to change your suboxone dosage or schedule of administration must be carefully considered by doctor and patient.

Warning

• Talk to your doctor before trying a prescription or over-the-counter anxiety remedy to avoid dangerous side effects and interactions. If symptoms are severe, it may be time to ask your doctor about treatment options other than suboxone. Never attempt to quit taking suboxone or reduce its dosage without asking your doctor first.