SSRIs and Buprenorphine for Depression: Understanding the Combination

SSRIs and buprenorphine may help to manage symptoms of depression by regulating neurotransmitters that affect mood. The effectiveness of using these drugs together is not fully determined.

Depression

• Depression is a serious mental condition that features prolonged periods of sadness that inhibit a person's ability to function normally. Symptoms of depression may include feelings of guilt or helplessness, withdrawal from social situations and enjoyable activities, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and suicidal behavior.

SSRI

• SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. SSRIs, such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft, are types of antidepressant medication.

Buprenorphine

• Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist-antagonist drug used to treat those addicted to opioid drugs. According to research published in 2008 in the Journal of Addictive Diseases, buprenorphine may also be useful for relieving symptoms of depression.

Considerations

• According to a 2004 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services document, the use of SSRIs together with buprenorphine should be "closely monitored."

Research

• According to ClinicalTrials.gov, research has been conducted to determine whether the use of buprenorphine and an SSRI might relieve depression among those taking buprenorphine and help them stick to a buprenorphine regimen; however, as of 2010, there are no results of this research.