You may be experiencing insomnia while on suboxone as a result of the side effects of your medication, or perhaps you simply cannot fall asleep because of stress, depression, and anxiety.
Either way, it can feel like something is missing from your life when you’re not able to sleep at night. Fortunately, there are several different supplements and drugs that can help relieve insomnia while on suboxone .
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What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is an opioid-receptor agonist that is used to help relieve pain, treat opiate addiction, and help with opioid withdrawal. Medical providers may administer suboxone as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people who are addicted to opioids improve their quality of life.
Suboxone is also sometimes prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with chronic pain. This medication is a type of opioid agonist-replacement therapy (ORT) that works as a partial opioid agonist.
This means that it activates the opioid receptors in the brain, but to a lesser degree than other opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers. Suboxone is only meant to be taken for a limited period of time and has potential side effects, such as insomnia, that you should be aware of before taking.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is a plant-based herb that has been used for thousands of years for its calming and relaxing effects. Kava kava is often used to treat anxiety and insomnia, and it’s also sometimes used to treat mood disorders like depression.
Kava kava has been found to have a relaxing and euphoric effect on the body, making it good for treating insomnia. Kava kava is considered safe when used appropriately, but there is a risk of side effects when taking large doses of the herb. Common side effects of kava kava include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the human body. In people who don’t have insomnia, melatonin is released at night to promote sleep. People who don’t produce enough melatonin or who have insomnia may take melatonin supplements to help improve sleep.
Although melatonin is approved for use as a sleep aid for people over 55 years of age, it is also commonly used by young people. Side effects of melatonin include headaches and drowsiness the next day, changes in mood, and irritability. Melatonin is not recommended for pregnant women or people with autoimmune diseases.
5-HTP
5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that is used as a sleep aid and antidepressant. 5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the body, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions.
5-HTP is generally considered to be safe when taken appropriately, but there are some side effects that you should be aware of before taking. People with a history of blood or liver disorders should not take 5-HTP.
People with depression should also use 5-HTP with caution and only with the recommendation of a doctor.
Valerian Root
Valerian root has been used for thousands of years as a sleep aid and natural tranquilizer. Some people take valerian root to treat anxiety and insomnia, while others take it to treat mental health conditions such as chronic fatigue, stress, and depression.
Valerian root can be purchased as a tincture, tea, or capsules and is generally considered to be safe to take. Valerian root may cause stomach cramps and diarrhea in some people, so it’s important to discuss this medication with a doctor before taking it.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are a type of drug that was used commonly as a sleep aid in the 1970s and 1980s. Barbiturates are highly addictive and are no longer prescribed to treat insomnia.
Barbiturates are still sometimes used as an anesthesia for surgical procedures, but other drugs are now much more commonly used, such as propofol. Barbiturates can be fatal when taken in high doses, so they are not considered safe to take.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep while you are taking suboxone. Being prepared with the information about different sleep aids can help you find the right drug for you.
Always be sure to speak with your doctor before you begin taking sleep aids, especially if you are taking suboxone.
