Suboxone Side Effects – What to Expect

The fact that Suboxone effectively works to treat opioid dependence is no secret. A growing number of people are relying on this medication, and it has helped thousands of patients get their life back on track.

Along with the intended effects of Suboxone use, there may be some unwanted effects as well. As with any medication, the side effects associated with this prescription drug can and will vary from one person to the next. It is not uncommon for one person to have mild side effects while another finds him or herself dealing with more serious side effects.

Before taking Suboxone, your doctor will discuss the potential side effects with you. You should realize that some side effects are not serious, but if others occur you will need to seek immediate medical attention.

The following Suboxone side effects are serious enough to require medical treatment without delay:

Sense of confusion
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Drowsiness (feeling of being drunk)
Fast or slow breathing
Pale or blue lips
Relaxed feeling
Sleepiness
Unusual weakness

These are the most serious side effects of Suboxone. Despite the fact that they are uncommon, you must be aware of these at all times.

The following list of Suboxone side effects are more common and less serious. These may lead to discomfort and mild pain, but do not typically require medical attention:

Sweating
Cough
Hoarse voice
Feeling of extreme heat
Dizziness
Chills or fever
Redness of the skin, particularly on the neck and face
Headache
Lower back pain
Side pain
Pain during urination

Some side effects of Suboxone should be expected, however, if any of the following persist for an extended period of time you will want to contact your doctor to discuss your situation:

Stomach pain
Loss of strength
Nausea
Difficulty having a bowel movement
Vomiting
Difficulty sleeping
Diarrhea
Sneezing
Runny nose
Stuffy nose

Suboxone Side Effect Treatment

Regardless of which side effects you are experiencing, you may be able to rely on over the counter medication to provide relief. For instance, a common headache medication can be used to treat this side effect.

Of course, you should never take any additional medication without first discussing it with your doctor. Suboxone treatment is a big deal, and there are some medications that could lead to a negative reaction if taken at the same time. It is better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to get the permission of your doctor before taking anything that is meant to treat a side effect.

In the case of a more serious side effect, such as difficult breathing or unusual weakness, it is essential to visit your doctor or the emergency room without delay. You may be having a serious reaction to your Suboxone treatment, which can lead to injury or even death.

Final Note

It is worth noting that the use of Suboxone can lead to physical dependence. For this reason, you should never stop taking the medication without first talking with your doctor.

If you abruptly cut out the use of Suboxone or reduce the amount taken too quickly, you could suffer from serious withdrawal symptoms. It is important to taper off the medication, allowing your body to slowly become less dependent.

No matter if you are taking a Suboxone pill or film, the side effects detailed above could become part of your life in the near future.

One or more of the most common side effects should be expected at some point. Those that are more serious are uncommon, but can come into play in certain individuals.

Once again, if you experience any side effect that is out of the norm, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for advice on what to do next.