What Are the Most Difficult to Deal with Suboxone Side Effects?

Suboxone, one of a handful of opiate addiction treatment drugs, offers people in recovery a chance at a life free of drug cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal effects. Suboxone works in the same way as methadone with a lower potential for dependence.

As with any type of treatment drug, the potential for Suboxone side effects run par for the course with effects varying from person to person. Knowing what to expect as far as difficult to deal with Suboxone side effects go can help in determining whether this line of treatment will work best for you.

Suboxone’s Therapeutic Effects

Suboxone produces a two-fold effect in terms of helping relieve uncomfortable cravings while acting as a safeguard against potential relapse events. Two ingredients -buprenorphine and naloxone- produce these different effects.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Suboxone’s buprenorphine ingredient helps to meet the body’s dependency needs for opiates by stimulating the same types of chemical reactions, only Suboxone doesn’t produce a “high” effect. In the event a person relapses, naloxone triggers severe withdrawal effects, which ultimately puts a stop to continued drug use.

Suboxone side effects can develop in response to how buprenorphine or naloxone interacts with the body.

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Difficult to Deal with Suboxone Side Effects

Headaches

Headaches are the most commonly experienced Suboxone side effect. Pain associated with headaches can vary from mild to moderate. More often than not, this symptom subsides with ongoing Suboxone treatment.

While it may make sense to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, doing so can interfere with Suboxone’s therapeutic effect. If headaches become unbearable, it’s best to consult with your attending physician.

Suboxone Withdrawal Syndrome

When taking Suboxone on an ongoing basis, the brain and body’s chemical system develop a certain degree of dependence on the drug’s effects over time, according to the U. S. Food & Drug Administration. This means, missing a dose or abruptly stopping the drug will bring on uncomfortable withdrawal-type Suboxone side effects, such as:

• Body aches
• Sweating
• Alternating chills and fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Liver Problems

Suboxone can take a toll on liver functioning depending on a person’s physiological makeup and overall health. This Suboxone side effect can cause serious problems down the road when left unattended. Signs of liver problems include:

• Darker than normal urine
• Yellowing skin and/or eyes
• Lighter than normal stools
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Which Side Effects of Suboxone Are Serious?

Allergic Reactions

For some people, Suboxone side effects may take the form of allergic reactions, some of which can be dangerous. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Drastic drop in blood pressure
• Hives
• Rash
• Wheezing
• Swelling in the face
• Loss of consciousness

Considerations

For most people, Suboxone side effects tend to subside over time as the body adapts to the drug. Suboxone side effects do tend to become more pronounced and even life threatening in cases where a person abuses drugs or alcohol while in treatment. Overall, Suboxone’s therapeutic benefits will likely outweigh its side effect potential, especially for those who stand to benefit the most from the drug.

If you or someone you know are considering Suboxone treatment and have more questions, or need help finding a program that meets your needs, please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) to speak with one of our addictions specialists.