Advanced Spine discusses suboxone treatments and Serotonin Syndrome.
When discussing the possibility of using Suboxone to treat opioid addiction, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking. This is partially due to the fact that some medicines can cause serotonin syndrome when mixed with the ingredients in Suboxone.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a chemical that naturally occurs in your body. The chemical is needed for the proper function of your brain and nerve cells, but too much serotonin can lead to a number of symptoms. In severe cases, the condition can be fatal if left untreated.
What are the Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome?
A number of signs and symptoms are associated with serotonin syndrome. These include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Dilated Pupils
- Goosebumps
- Headache
- Heavy Sweating
- High Blood Pressure
- Loss of Muscle Coordination
- Muscle Rigidity
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Restlessness
- Shivering
These symptoms usually occur within several hours of introducing a new drug and may go away when stopping the new medication. In more severe cases, signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:
- High Fever
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
If experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately.
How is Serotonin Syndrome Treated?
The treatment plan for serotonin syndrome depends upon the symptoms that you are experiencing. If your symptoms are minor, you may only need to simply stop taking the medication that is causing the problem. In more severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized for anywhere from several hours to a few days. Treatment may involve using muscle relaxants, serotonin-production blocking agents, oxygen and intravenous fluids or drugs to control your heart rate or blood pressure.
To learn more about Suboxone and how it can help with the treatment of opioid addiction, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!