Buprenorphine Withdrawal: Dealing with Drug Addiction With Treatment

Buprenorphine has proven to be a crucial ally for many individuals striving to overcome opioid addiction at a prescription drug detox center in Los Angeles. As a form of medication-assisted treatment, it effectively alleviates cravings and withdrawal symptoms, facilitating a smoother and more comfortable transition away from active addiction. Despite being a partial opioid antagonist that typically does not induce euphoric effects at prescribed levels, there remains a risk of misuse. Some individuals may take higher doses or combine them with other substances, leading to potential dependence and addiction. This misuse can trigger buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to discontinue use. Even those who adhere to prescribed dosages may face withdrawal challenges when they eventually stop taking the medication.

While withdrawal from buprenorphine is generally milder than that from full opioids, it can still be uncomfortable and distressing. The physical and psychological symptoms during this phase can make it difficult for individuals to stop buprenorphine use. Common withdrawal symptoms from buprenorphine may include:

• Muscle aches and pain
• Sweating
• Digestive issues
• Runny nose or watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Chills or goosebumps
• Anxiety
• Irritability and mood swings
• Depression
• Intense cravings for opioids
• Difficulty concentrating

The severity and duration of these withdrawal symptoms can differ based on various factors, including the length of buprenorphine use, dosage, and any pre-existing health conditions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. However, undergoing medically supervised detox and treatment can significantly mitigate withdrawal risks, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience. This process may involve medications, a gradual reduction in dosage, and emotional support.

Can Buprenorphine Cause Sleeplessness?

Buprenorphine plays a crucial role in treating opioid use disorder (OUD), but it can also lead to side effects such as sleeplessness and insomnia. As a partial opioid agonist, it alters the brain’s sleep patterns through its effects on neurotransmitters associated with pain, mood, and alertness. Primarily, buprenorphine targets the mu-opioid receptor, which helps alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, its influence on the central nervous system can sometimes result in side effects like restlessness, anxiety, or trouble relaxing, all of which can disrupt sleep. Additionally, buprenorphine impacts other neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, both of which are vital for sleep regulation; any imbalance can contribute to sleep issues, including insomnia.

The sleep-related effects of buprenorphine may also stem from the process of discontinuing opioid use. A study published in the National Library of Medicine indicated that buprenorphine significantly increased wakefulness, reduced non-rapid eye movement sleep, and prolonged the time it takes to fall asleep. Furthermore, it was found to lower adenosine levels in brain regions that regulate sleep, potentially explaining its disruptive effects. Buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms include insomnia as well, so individuals may experience insomnia when attempting to come off the medication as well.

Can Buprenorphine Cause Headaches?

Headaches are one of the most common side effects of buprenorphine, especially when starting or changing doses. Thankfully, buprenorphine headaches are often temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Buprenorphine acts on receptors in the brain, and as with any medication that targets the brain, it can cause headaches. The underlying causes of these headaches can vary among individuals. For some, it may be caused by vasodilation or vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the brain, while others might experience them due to dehydration linked to side effects like nausea, constipation, or changes in appetite that disrupt hydration and electrolyte balance. Moreover, headaches can also occur during buprenorphine withdrawal, similar to other opioids, as the body adapts to fluctuating opioid levels.

Is Nausea a Side Effect of Buprenorphine?

Opioids work by attaching themselves to opioid receptors throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Buprenorphine can slow down movement in the GI tract, which may result in constipation and sometimes nausea. This slowdown can lead to a buildup of digestive contents, contributing to feelings of nausea. Furthermore, opioid receptors are involved in regulating various bodily functions, resulting in nausea and vomiting as a side effect, especially during the initial stages of treatment when the body is adjusting to the medication. Research published in Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy indicated that buprenorphine was associated with significantly higher instances of nausea and vomiting compared to other tested substances like morphine and meperidine. The study suggests that the strong binding affinity of buprenorphine to receptors may be a factor in the prolonged nausea and vomiting experienced after just one dose.

Taking higher doses of buprenorphine can elevate the risk of nausea and vomiting, posing serious dangers for individuals who misuse the drug. Consuming large amounts of buprenorphine or combining it with substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines can lead to overdose, which may manifest as respiratory depression and loss of consciousness. When these effects are combined with nausea and vomiting, there is a risk of aspiration, where a person might accidentally inhale their vomit, which can be life-threatening. Nevertheless, most fatal overdoses are primarily due to respiratory arrest.

Does Buprenorphine Affect Mood?

Opioid agonists generally have a positive effect on mood, often producing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and well-being by activating the brain’s reward system. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist which means it can produce these feelings but to a lesser extent than full agonist opioids. Depending on dosage, buprenorphine can have positive and negative effects on mood. When buprenorphine is used in adequate doses to help those attempting to stop opioids by preventing withdrawal, reducing cravings, and stabilizing mood. It can help improve mood by preventing the emotional rollercoaster caused by opioid dependence and withdrawal. Also, when it is used as a pain reliever, it can help improve mood by making people feel more comfortable and reducing pain-related stress or discomfort.

However, improper dosing or misuse of buprenorphine may lead to adverse mood effects, such as depression, irritability, or anxiety. Although buprenorphine is less likely to induce euphoria compared to full opioids, it can still influence the brain’s reward system. Furthermore, individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal while on buprenorphine might feel a sense of dissatisfaction, boredom, or mild dysphoria, as buprenorphine does not fully activate opioid receptors like other opioids do. Buprenorphine addiction detox can also result in mood fluctuations, including anxiety, irritability, depression, and strong cravings, similar to those experienced with other opioids.

Get Help for Buprenorphine Withdrawal at Resurgence Behavioral Health

If you are using buprenorphine as part of an opioid addiction treatment plan or have been misusing it, Resurgence Behavioral Health is here to offer the essential support you need to safely and comfortably discontinue its use. Our medical detox programs feature expert guidance, round-the-clock medical supervision, medication management, and behavioral therapy to alleviate buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, we provide comprehensive addiction treatment programs that address the underlying issues of addiction and equip you with effective coping strategies for achieving lasting sobriety. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our rehab programs are available in both inpatient and outpatient formats, tailored to meet you at any stage of your recovery from buprenorphine addiction and other opioids. With the right support, you can confidently navigate this transition and continue on the path to lasting recovery.

If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with buprenorphine dependence and withdrawal, reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050 to explore your treatment options.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine – Buprenorphine disrupts sleep and decreases adenosine concentrations in sleep-regulating brain regions of Sprague Dawley rat
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Buprenorphine
• Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy – Prolonged Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Buprenorphine