Can suboxone cause sleep apnea?

Central and OSA: Narcotics like Suboxone can cause respiratory depression--a decreased responsiveness to elevated co2 levels in the blood. Because the brain responds to the difference between o2 and co2 to trigger breathing, the result is slowed (hypopnea) or stopped (apnea) breathing or central apnea. Drug use/abuse can also decrease muscle tone leading to collapse of the soft tissues and tongue--obstructive sa.

Bup & sleep apnea: Sleep-disordered breathing (eg sleep apnea) is more common in opioid (mu receptor agonist) users. However, the generalization hasn't been proven scientifically with buprenorphine, a partial mu receptor agonist. A poorly designed 2012 study showed an association between bup & sleep disorder breathing. A link may exist, but likely lower with bup than other opiates. A sleep study would be needed.