HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Suboxone Raise Prolactin Levels?

Doc, Let me give you a little bit of background on myself. Couple years ago I became addicted to pain killers. I am currently off, however, I am taking Suboxone 8mg strips twice daily to help stop my cravings. Though Suboxone is itself a opioid I do not take any pain killers. (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone is what I was taking). Ive been trying to get back into shape. I have no drive and my libido is nil. I went to a Low T center. They took blood for testosterone level check as well as other checks. The guy came back and told me my Prolactin level was at a 23 when the average male should be within 3-18. He startled me when he mentioned Prolactinoma. My question is could taking the Suboxone raise my level of prolactin. He has me scared and worried. What are your thoughts?
Wed, 30 Nov 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid and naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Both are used for opioid addiction. All opioids are known to cause increased prolactin level in blood and reduced sexual drive to varying extent. These side effects are not permanent and shall resolve once you stop Suboxone. Your prolactin level is marginally high not amounting to prolactinoma. In prolactinoma, prolactin level usually goes above 150 ng/mL, which is not the case with you. Stress (mental & physical) also increases blood prolactin level. You need to monitor your prolactin level over a period of time.
Advice
1.     Continue Suboxone as suggested. You don’t have to take it permanently. Once you stop it your problem will resolve, but do not stop it without your doctor’s permission. Sudden stoppage will causes withdrawal symptoms of opioid. Follow your doctor’s advice on Suboxone
2.     Stop smoking and alcohol
3.     Avoid mental tension
4.     Do meditation
5.     Start workout in gym at least ½ an hour in a day for 4 – 5 days in a week
6.     Do not worry much about your sexual drive. It will return once you stop Suboxone
7.     Monitor your blood prolactin level every month. If level is static then there is no need to worry. If level starts rising then consult an endocrinologist for specialist management of hyperprolactinemia
I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question
Thanks
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Morphinans


Loading Online Doctors....
Does Suboxone Raise Prolactin Levels?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid and naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Both are used for opioid addiction. All opioids are known to cause increased prolactin level in blood and reduced sexual drive to varying extent. These side effects are not permanent and shall resolve once you stop Suboxone. Your prolactin level is marginally high not amounting to prolactinoma. In prolactinoma, prolactin level usually goes above 150 ng/mL, which is not the case with you. Stress (mental & physical) also increases blood prolactin level. You need to monitor your prolactin level over a period of time. Advice 1. Continue Suboxone as suggested. You don’t have to take it permanently. Once you stop it your problem will resolve, but do not stop it without your doctor’s permission. Sudden stoppage will causes withdrawal symptoms of opioid. Follow your doctor’s advice on Suboxone 2. Stop smoking and alcohol 3. Avoid mental tension 4. Do meditation 5. Start workout in gym at least ½ an hour in a day for 4 – 5 days in a week 6. Do not worry much about your sexual drive. It will return once you stop Suboxone 7. Monitor your blood prolactin level every month. If level is static then there is no need to worry. If level starts rising then consult an endocrinologist for specialist management of hyperprolactinemia I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question Thanks