Can You Get High on Opiates While on Sublocade?

Opiates are among the most addictive substances in the U.S. Many people are being prescribed painkillers, whether it be for acute pain or chronic pain, and end up having addiction by the time they are done with their prescription. The primary drug found in most prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin and Percocet, is an opioid called Oxycodone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46 people die from overdoses involving prescription opioids every day. In 2017, prescription opioids continued to contribute to the epidemic in the U.S. – they were involved in more than 35% of all opioid overdose deaths.

To detox from opiates, you can go many different routes. Such options for detoxing off pain meds include therapy, group support groups, natural herbs, cold turkey, and many more. Still, the one medication that has proven to be the best at safely getting addicts off opiates with little to no withdrawal symptoms is Buprenorphine.

TL;DR: No, you cannot get high on opioids while taking Sublocade. Sublocade, a form of buprenorphine, is designed to reduce opioid cravings and block the effects of other opioids, making it difficult to get high on opiates while on it.

Can You Get High on Opiates While on Sublocade?

Sublocade is an extended-release, long-acting buprenorphine formulation used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It is administered as a subcutaneous injection and gradually releases buprenorphine over a month, binding to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

But can you still get high on opiates while on Sublocade?

How Sublocade Works & Its Effects on Opioids

Sublocade is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors but does not fully activate them like illicit opioids (heroin, fentanyl) or full opioid agonists like methadone. Instead, it:

• Reduces cravings for opioids
• Blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids
• Prevents withdrawal symptoms

Can You Still Get High on Other Opiates?

Because Sublocade delivers a steady level of buprenorphine, it occupies opioid receptors, making it difficult for other opioids to produce a high. However, whether someone can get high depends on several factors:

1. Dosage of Sublocade – Higher doses provide stronger opioid blockade, reducing the ability to feel high from additional opioids.
2. Type & Amount of Opioid Used – High-potency opioids (e.g., fentanyl) may have some effect, but they still carry a risk of overdose.
3. Time Since Last Injection – Towards the end of the treatment cycle, as buprenorphine levels decline, opioid effects may become slightly more noticeable.

Why Sublocade Makes It Hard to Get High

• High receptor affinity – Buprenorphine binds tightly to opioid receptors, preventing other opioids from attaching.
• Ceiling effect – Unlike full opioid agonists, buprenorphine has a limit to how much it can activate opioid receptors, reducing the potential for euphoria.
• Long-lasting effects – The extended-release formulation ensures consistent blockade for at least four weeks.

Risks of Taking Other Opiates While on Sublocade

Even though Sublocade reduces the ability to get high, using other opioids can still be dangerous.

1. Risk of Overdose

Taking high doses of opioids to “override” the blockade can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression, especially with fentanyl or benzodiazepines.

2. Precipitated Withdrawal

If someone takes a full opioid agonist while buprenorphine is active, it can displace other opioids, triggering severe opioid withdrawal symptoms.

3. Worsening Opioid Dependence

Continuing to take illicit opioids while on Sublocade suggests the need for adjustments in the treatment plan, such as higher doses, additional counseling, or alternative medications like methadone or Vivitrol.

Can You Overcome the Blockade?

Some individuals attempt to take large amounts of opioids or stronger opioids like fentanyl to bypass the blockade. However, this is extremely dangerous and rarely successful.

Potential Consequences:

• Severe breathing problems (respiratory depression)
• Increased risk of overdose (especially if tolerance has decreased)
• Serious harm to the central nervous system
• Potential liver problems (if mixing opioids with alcohol or other drugs)

Side Effects of Sublocade

Sublocade is an extended-release, long-acting buprenorphine injection used for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). While effective in reducing opioid cravings and preventing withdrawal symptoms, it can cause a range of mild to severe side effects.

Common Side Effects of Sublocade

Most common side effects are mild and improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication:

1. Injection Site Reactions

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the subcutaneous injection site
• Lumps or nodules under the skin (may last several weeks)
• Bruising, itching, or irritation

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

• Constipation (common effects of opioids)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or stomach pain

3. Central Nervous System Effects

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

4. Psychological Symptoms

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Depression or mood swings
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive drowsiness)

Serious Side Effects of Sublocade

While less common, some side effects can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

1. Respiratory Depression (Severe Breathing Problems)

• Slow, shallow, or difficulty breathing
• Severe drowsiness, sleepiness, sedation or confusion
• Blue lips or fingernails (cyanosis)

Risk increases when combined with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other opioids.

2. Liver Problems (Hepatic Impairment)

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Severe fatigue or loss of appetite

3. Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms (If the injection is stopped suddenly or not administered correctly)

• Muscle aches, sweating, and chills
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Irritability and insomnia

4. Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

• Hives, rash, or swelling (face, lips, throat)
• Severe itching
• Difficulty breathing

Seek emergency medical help if experiencing signs of a severe allergic reaction.

5. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension & Fainting)

• Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
• Fainting or blacking out

Black Box Warning (FDA Warning for Serious Risks)

The FDA has issued a boxed warning for Sublocade, highlighting risks such as:

• Accidental intravenous administration (Sublocade must be injected subcutaneously—IV use can cause severe harm or death.)
• Respiratory depression, especially if combined with other depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
• Risk of overdose if illicit opioids are used while on Sublocade.

Who Should Avoid Sublocade?

Sublocade may not be safe for individuals with

• Severe liver disease
• Serious breathing problems (COPD, asthma, sleep apnea)
• A history of severe allergic reactions to buprenorphine
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (consult a doctor about safety during pregnancy)
• Recent head injury or brain trauma (increased risk of drowsiness and confusion)

While Sublocade is a powerful tool for opioid dependence treatment, it comes with potential side effects and risks. Patients should work closely with a healthcare professional to manage side effects and adjust treatment if needed.

What to Do If You’re Struggling with Cravings on Sublocade?

If you feel the urge to use illicit opioids while on Sublocade, consider:

• Talking to a healthcare professional about increasing the dose or adjusting your treatment options
• Exploring alternative medications like methadone (a full opioid agonist) or Vivitrol (a non-opioid option)
• Engaging in counseling or therapy to address mental health and addiction triggers
• Using naloxone (Narcan) if you are at risk of opioid overdose

Sublocade makes it very difficult to get high on other opioids, but using opioids while on treatment can still be dangerous. If you’re experiencing cravings or struggling with opioid dependence, it’s important to discuss treatment plan adjustments with a healthcare professional to avoid serious harm.

Is Sublocade Less Likely to be Abused?

This drug can cause dependency, but abuse is less likely because the administration must be done by a medical professional. Therefore, it is controlled.

While it is difficult to abuse this drug, it is perilous to continue other opiates while on Sublocade.

It is very unlikely that someone would be able to get high on opiates while taking Sublocade, and attempting to do so can be dangerous, as the effects of one drug can either mask or heighten the impact of the other drug. Should Sublocade be mixed with another opioid, their same depressant qualities may exacerbate one another, which can prove fatal, especially in users with respiratory problems.

Medical Detox for Opioid Abuse

At Allure Detox, we specialize in helping opioid addicts that want to get off Buprenorphine safely. Whether you’re abusing it to get high or are on a long-term maintenance plan and can’t stop using it on your own, our specialists are here to help. Our Buprenorphine detox in West Palm Beach, Florida, follows a medically-assisted detox approach to ensure your withdrawal symptoms are minimized.

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Published on: 2020-10-04
Updated on: 2025-02-19