What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription opioid drug that’s made from a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone. This medication is used to treat addicts with opioid substance use disorder. The way Suboxone works is as an opioid agonist where it blocks the opioid receptors in the brain and reduces the urges of an addict, as well as reverses the effects of opioids to help prevent withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid drug addiction.
This prescription drug comes in two forms: a film or a tablet, each taken orally. The Suboxone film gets placed under the tongue and dissolves into the body. The tablets or film can also be injected into the bloodstream, however, it will cause someone who is chemically dependent on opioids to have uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. That helps discourage those addicted to intravenous (IV) opioids from injecting Suboxone. Other brand names of Suboxone include: Zubsolv, Cassipa, and Bunavail.
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Suboxone Effects
While Suboxone is a medically prescribed drug, it still has its side effects, even if taken as recommended. According to the drug manufacturer, common symptoms of Suboxone include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Sweating
- Numb mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness and fainting
- Concentration problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Back pain
- Drowsiness
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Anxiety disorder
Other drug interactions may impact Suboxone side effects. Consult your doctor before taking certain antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, and HIV medication or consuming alcohol. Seek medical attention if you notice any of these negative Buprenorphine/Naloxone side effects.
Signs of Suboxone Abuse and Addiction
Although Buprenorphine/Naloxone is prescribed to help with opioid substance abuse, this drug can lead to dependence if misused. Those most likely to develop an opioid dependency include:
- Persons with a current or previous alcohol and drug addiction
- Those unaware of the potential dangerous side effects
- Individuals with a Heroin addiction looking to avoid withdrawal
Taking this opioid medication doesn’t mean you will become addicted to it. Seek medical care if you notice drug addiction symptoms from abusing Suboxone:
- Unexplained weight loss, appetite loss, or eating disorder
- Behavioral addictions
- Disinterest in hobbies and depression
- Dilated pupils
- Fainting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle aches
- Drowsiness
- Increased blood pressure
- Problems with coordination
- Poor memory
- Erratic behavior
- Mental illness
- Social withdrawal
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Like other opioid addictions, withdrawal and detox are often the worst part of recovery. While specific side effects of withdrawal may vary person by person, common signs of opioid withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone addiction and abuse include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Irritability
- Cravings
- Fever or chills
- Sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
Abusing Suboxone will result in physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Generally, physical withdrawal symptoms will subside after about a month of discontinued drug use, but psychological side effects may remain. The roughest part of withdrawal occurs within the first 72 hours without Buprenorphine/Naloxone. By a week after the last dose, aches, mood swings, and insomnia may kick in and after two weeks without drug use, addicts may experience feelings of depression and mental illness. Cravings may set in after the first month, but will diminish over time.
Long-Term Side Effects of Suboxone Abuse
Taking Suboxone excessively and/or for long periods of time, long-term side effects may occur:
- Breathing problems
- Coma
- Hormone problems and adrenal insufficiency
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue and weakness
- Liver damage
- Physical dependence
- Constipation
- Mental health disorders
- Hair loss
- Brain damage
In addition to these negative side effects, long-term Buprenorphine/Naloxone use can lead to overdose. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following Suboxone overdose symptoms:
- Decreased touch sensation
- Burning tongue
- Trouble breathing
- Stomach pain or upset stomach
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Coma
Suboxone Addiction Treatment
Long-term use and a drug addiction to Suboxone can seriously impact one’s life. If you or a loved one struggles with an opioid addiction or require alcohol treatment, seek drug rehab care at Resurgence Behavioral Health. Here at our treatment facility, we take a real-world approach to overcoming opioid drugs through addiction treatment and personalized treatment plans to fit what works best for each individual on their journey towards recovery.
When it comes to addiction treatment for Buprenorphine/Naloxone, substance abuse treatment, and treatment for cooccurring disorders, many medication professionals recommend medication-assisted treatment (MAT)/medication therapy in conjunction with dialectical behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy to treat opioid addiction. At Resurgence, those seeking Suboxone treatment or those addicted to opioid drugs and cooccurring disorders gain the skills and resources they need to live drug free through inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, or other levels of care and types of treatment.
Our Suboxone addiction treatment center provides comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment through a multitude of Suboxone addiction treatment programs and addiction therapy services. Upon your admission into a Suboxone addiction treatment center, our addiction treatment professionals will determine the unique underlying mental health conditions that cause your addiction to Suboxone. Our addiction therapy services and addiction treatment programs in California include:
