Can you get high on Bunavail?

Yes, Bunavail can trigger euphoric effect when used OTHER THAN PRESCRIBED. This prescription medication contains buprenorphine, which can be abused. More on Bunavail and euphoric effect here.

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Bunavail does not get you high if you use it as prescribed.

However, euphoric effect is a possible side effect of Bunavail, especially when it’s used OTHER THAN PRESCRIBED. In fact, one of the main active ingredients in Bunavail is buprenorphine, which can be abused in a manner similar to other opiate/opioids (legal or illicit). Still, buprenorphine is generally not an intense enough drug to produce the heightened feelings of euphoria created by other opioids or opiates.

In the text below, we review Bunavail’s euphoric effect and abuse potential. If you still have questions at the end, we invite you to post your comments in the section below. We try to reply personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries.

What’s in Bunavail? Bunavail chemistry and use

Bunavail is a partial opioid agonist and is prescribed as a part of the maintenance treatment for people dependent on strong opiates or opioids (such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine). Its main active ingredients are buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is used to decrease cravings for these stronger drugs, while naloxone is meant to deter their abuse by rendering the effects of opiates or opioids null if/when taken.

Bunavail and euphoria

Bunavail can cause euphoria when abused, TAKEN OTHER THAN PRESCRIBED, or when taken by people with a low tolerance to opioids in order to get high. This is one of the main reasons that Bunavail is a controlled substance categorized as a Schedule III medication. However, because buprenorphine is not an intense enough drug to produce the heightened feelings of euphoria created by other opioids or opiates, it really requires tweaking in order to trigger a high.

So, how does Bunavail work on the central nervous system?

Bunavail and central nervous system effects

Bunavail contains buprenorphine, a medicine that works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocking other opioids from binding to the same receptors. More specifically, buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor. In layman’s terms, this means that buprenorphine causes a chemical block in the nervous system which dulls down the psychological need, or craving, for harder opiate/opioid drugs. Does buprenorphine cause a high? Buprenorphine does not get you high if you use it the right way.

The other active ingredient in Bunavail is naloxone. This chemical is a pure opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the physical dependence to all opioids. It is used in Bunavail to deter opiate or opioid abuse. In fact, it causes the complete or partial reversal of the effects of harder opiates and can precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Mixing Bunavail with other substances

Bunavail can cause interactions with others prescription medications and substances. While some people might think that mixing Bunavail with alcohol or other drugs might trigger a high, it can lead to deadly outcomes. Here is a list of substances you should avoid while using Bunavail:

1. Alcohol

Mixing alcohol with either buprenorphine or naloxone can lead to dangerous, and sometimes lethal side-effects. We advise you to check all food, beverage and medicine labels to be sure you avoid products which contain alcohol.

2. Prescription medications

Medications such as diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, temazepam, triazolam, Restoril, Valium, Xanax, and many others can interact with Bunavail. You should tell your doctor if you are currently taking or stopping use of any meds during your Bunavil treatment. Patients should be especially cautious, and always consult a doctor before taking:

  • anxiety medications
  • depression medications
  • muscle relaxers
  • narcotic pain medicines
  • seizure medications
  • sleeping pills

Of course, the list of medications is not complete and does not contain all drugs that may interact with buprenorphine and naloxone. There are many other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products that your doctor can warn you about.

Risks of Bunavail abuse

Bunavail abuse requires concentrated effort and manipulation of the medication for little “pay off” in terms of euphoric effect. When taken as prescribed, you face far less chances of facing side effects, such as addiction. However, misuse of this medicine is possible, especially if an opioid-naive person abuses it or if the route of administration is altered. When used as prescribed, Bunavail addictive potential is rather low, due to the nature of its composition and its mild effects on the central nervous system related to euphoria.

Problems or side effects of Bunavail

How long does Bunavail stay in your system? It can be detected for up to 2 weeks after last use. Bunavail can also be habit-forming, even when taken as prescribed for opioid maintenance treatment. Also, just like any other medication, Bunavail too can cause a number of side-effects. They include:

  • constipation
  • headache
  • insomnia
  • nausea
  • numbness on the inside of the mouth
  • profuse sweating
  • swelling of limbs
  • tongue pain
  • vomiting

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. If you experience more adverse side-effects or any of the following reactions you should ask for medical help ASAP:

  • allergic reactions (itches, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat)
  • confusion and/or lightheadedness
  • extreme drowsiness or weakness
  • extreme nausea
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • slurred speech and/or blurred vision
  • withdrawal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, body shakes, muscle pain, hot and cold flashes…)

Questions about the Bunavail high

Have more questions to ask? We welcome you to post them, and any other thoughts or personal experiences you may have about Bunavail use and treatment for opioid dependence. You can use the comments section at the end of the page, and we’ll provide a personal and prompt response to all legitimate inquiries.

Reference Sources: FDA: Highlights of Prescribing Information
FDA: Medication Guide: BUNAVAIL (buprenorphine and naloxone) Buccal Film
DailyMed: BUNAVAIL-buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate film
DailyMed: Naloxone hydrochloride
PBM: Buprenorphine/naloxone Buccal Film (BUNAVAIL)
NC State Health Plan: Buprenorphine tablets and Buprenorphine/naloxone teblets/films
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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