Suboxone Side Effects: Key Things to Know Before Starting Treatment

Suboxone is a common prescription medication made by combining buprenorphine and naloxone. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a useful part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction, often combined with therapy and counseling.

SAMHSA also warns about suboxone’s potential for misuse and stresses the importance of proper administration to ensure safety and maximize its benefits in recovery.

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means that it activates some of the same receptors in the brain as heroin and other opioids, but not to the same extent. As a result, buprenorphine can provide pain relief without creating a high or putting users at risk for addiction. It is the active ingredient in Suboxone and is used in the treatment of opioid addiction. Buprenorphine and naloxone are used in combination to treat opioid overdoses.

How Does Suboxone Work in the Body?

Suboxone has two main components: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it attaches to the same receptors in the brain that opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers do. However, it only activates these receptors to a lesser extent, so it reduces cravings and withdrawal without causing the intense high that full opioids would. This makes it effective for recovery, as it helps reduce the desire to use opioids while preventing dangerous side effects like euphoria or overdose.

The next ingredient, which is the naloxone it is responsible for blocking the effects of the opioids to prevent their misuse. However, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. To make sure that naloxone doesn’t have any side effects, it should be taken as directed by mouth and tongue.

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Long-Term Side Effects of Suboxone

While suboxone helps individuals manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it's important to be aware of the long-term impacts it may have on the body and mind. One of these impacts is addiction and opioid dependence.

Taking suboxone for too long can also result in liver damage, thrombotic effects, and hormonal problems such as adrenal insufficiency, which occurs when cortisol is too low. Adrenal insufficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, depression, and low blood sugar.

Keeping track of these symptoms helps in making informed decisions about your recovery journey.

• Physical Dependence
• Liver Damage
• Mood Changes
• Respiratory Issues
• Cognitive Effects
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Altering Emotional States leading to ‘flat affect’ over time

Short-Term Side Effects of Suboxone

Short-term side effects of using suboxone can be temporary. Understanding these common reactions can help manage expectations and ensure a smoother transition as Suboxone begins to work effectively in treating opioid use disorder.

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Headaches
• Fatigue and Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Does Suboxone Effect Men and Women Differently?

The long-term effects of Suboxone use can be different for men than women. For example, men may suffer sexual side effects such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Men may also experience more intense withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication compared to women.

Women may experience more pronounced side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, due to hormonal fluctuations. Also potentially causing changes in menstrual cycles, mood swings, or alterations in libido.

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How Can You Manage Suboxone Side Effects?

Managing Suboxone’s side effects involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and consulting your healthcare provider. Here are some general tips to help alleviate discomfort:

• Drinking plenty of water can help with common side effects like nausea, headaches, constipation, and dizziness.
• Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Opt for fiber-rich foods to combat constipation and maintain blood sugar levels, which helps with fatigue and dizziness.
• Adjusting your dosage to minimize discomfort while still maintaining the effectiveness of the medication.
• Light physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can boost energy levels, improve circulation, and alleviate fatigue.
• To manage dizziness, rise slowly from a seated or lying position to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure. Also avoid alcohol which can amplify dizziness.
• If excessive sweating is a problem, opt for light, breathable clothing.
• If you experience sexual side effects, such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor.
• Participating in a support groups and therapy can also help you manage emotional health during recovery.

The Risks of Suboxone Misuse in Opioid Treatment

Despite the risks, the injection of Suboxone still occurs in certain communities, contributing to the challenges of managing opioid addiction treatment. Some individuals may misuse Suboxone by taking higher doses than prescribed to experience a stronger effect, such as a mild euphoria or sedation.

People often have a hard time getting off Suboxone for several reasons. Firstly, it is important to remember that Suboxone is an opioid and, therefore, can be addictive in its own right. This means that people may become dependent on the medication and struggle to stop taking it without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Secondly, long-term use of Suboxone can potentially cause changes in the brain that can make it difficult to stop taking. For example, some studies have found that long-term use of Suboxone can cause an increase in dopamine receptors, making it more difficult for a person to feel pleasure if they are not on the medication.

Finally, people may struggle to get off Suboxone because they have not taken steps to address the underlying issues that led to their dependence on opioids in the first place. Without dealing with these issues, it can be difficult for a person to stay off Suboxone and remain sober in the long term.

How Does Suboxone Support Long Term Recovery?

Suboxone plays a critical role in long-term recovery for individuals battling opioid addiction. It helps to manage cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and supports a smoother transition to a life free from opioid dependence.

Here's how Suboxone contributes to long-term recovery:

• It reduces the intense withdrawal symptoms that occur when an individual stops using opioids making the recovery process more manageable and less overwhelming.
• It binds to the brain's opioid receptors and helps suppress the cravings, making it easier for individuals to resist the urge to relapse.
• Reduces the risk of relapse during the critical early stages of recovery. Allowing people to continue their recovery journey without the constant temptation of opioid use.
• Suboxone also supports emotional well-being by stabilizing brain chemistry, which improves mood and emotional balance.
• While the physical symptoms are being managed, individuals are better able to engage in therapy and counseling, which help in maintaing long-term recovery.
• It helps in maintaining stability as they work through the challenges of rebuilding their lives, pursuing employment, reconnecting with family, and creating new habits.

Medically Assisted Suboxone Addiction Treatment

Suboxone can cause serious side effects, due to which it is important to be monitored to make sure that the person is not taking too much or using it in a way that can be harmful.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach for individuals with opioid use disorder. It combines using FDA-approved medications, such as Suboxone, with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and relapse risks associated with opiate addiction. MAT should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional and may require regular check-ins with a doctor to ensure that it is effective.

Recovery from Suboxone Addiction

If you or a loved one are struggling with suboxone addiction, know that you are not alone. Recovery is a difficult journey, but seeking help is the first step towards a better future. If you are a man in the Los Angeles area seeking a safe and supportive environment to overcome addiction, consider a men’s sober living program in Los Angeles. Sober Living Homes provide a structured, sober living environment that promotes healing, personal growth, and long-term sobriety. With the guidance of trained professionals and the support of your peers, you can work towards a brighter future free from addiction. Remember, recovery is possible, and reaching out for help is a brave and important decision.