What Are The Side Effects Of Suboxone?
Suboxone, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2002, is a medication-assisted treatment for addictions to opioids. It consists of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone, and per regulations, it must be administered under medical supervision. The benefit of Suboxone benefits the patient by lessening their brain’s need for opioids, also preventing opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, as with any medication, Suboxone can have side effects which you want to understand if you’re seeking Suboxone treatment.
When Will I First Begin to See Side Effects?
Suboxone is administered in three separate phases called induction, stabilization, and maintenance.
Induction:
The induction phase occurs when the medication is first given, after 12-24 hours have passed since the last drug use. This time period is also when the first symptoms of withdrawal occur. Doctors must make sure that opioids aren’t in the bloodstream before administering Suboxone (to prevent further issues from the opioids interacting with the Suboxone). Induction is also where you may first experience the medication’ side effects.
Stabilization:
The stabilization phase occurs when the patient has decreased or fully stopped their drug abuse, doesn’t experience opioid cravings, and feels few or no side effects. During stabilization, your doctor will likely adjust your Suboxone dose. If you still experience severe Suboxone side effects during stabilization, be sure to alert your doctor: a lower dose could help ease the side effects.
Maintenance:
This last phase, maintenance, occurs when the patient has been doing well through their current dose. With this progress, the doctor can begin decreasing the amount of Suboxone given. This decrease in dose depends on the patient, their addiction, and their progress. The doctor who has worked with the patient from the beginning will decide the best decrease. has been working with you. At this point, the side effects should be minimal to none, due to the lower dosage.
What are the Side Effects of Suboxone?
Suboxone side effects are a normal part of receiving the medication, like any other medicine. While these side effects can range from minor to severe, it’s important to notify your doctor when you notice them occurring. Here are some of the minor-to-moderate side effects:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Mouth or tongue pain/numbness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Numbness or tingling
- Blurred vision
- Trouble concentrating
You should notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the severe side effects listed below:
- Itchy skin
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme tiredness
- Mood changes
- Swollen face, arms, and/or legs
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
How Can I Prevent These Symptoms from Happening?
There’s no guarantee that you will experience Suboxone side effects, but it is always good to know how to manage the less-severe ones if they occur. As always, contact your doctor if anything changes. If your side effects are less severe, you can try some of these simple remedies:
- Take Suboxone after a meal to prevent an upset stomach. An antacid can also be used to ease the discomfort (such as Tums).
- To prevent pain or numbness in your mouth or tongue, try switching where you place your dose of Suboxone in your mouth (between the left and right sides).
- For less constipation, you can drink more water and eat high-fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains.
- To help with with sleeplessness, limit your caffeine intake, try not to take many naps, and keep a regular time when you go to sleep at night.
As you can see, there are easy ways to help with some side effects from Suboxone. If you can’t get any relief, contact your doctor. They may have other options to help you out.
Talk to Your Suboxone Doctor about Treatment
Be sure to discuss the side effects with your Suboxone doctor to ensure your comfort while taking this medication, and also make sure that your doctor thinks this opioid addiction treatment will work for you. Your doctor should also know about any health conditions, medications, or allergies you already have (since they could put you at a higher risk for Suboxone side effects).
If you or your loved one are suffering from opioid addiction, you can still find hope for a better life of recovery. Suboxone can decrease your opioid dependence, with careful diligence and medical supervision. If you’d like to learn more about Suboxone or opioid addiction, visit Buprenorphine Doctors today. And if you’d like to move forward and find Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction, visit our directories of Suboxone doctors and opioid treatment clinics.