Managing Side Effects of Suboxone: A Comprehensive Guide
Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, carries a range of potential side effects and risks, particularly during long-term use. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the key considerations associated with Suboxone treatment.
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist and antagonist, containing the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. The long-term side effects of Suboxone can be severe, including dental decay, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, liver damage, seizures, and the risk of overdose if misused or combined with other substances[1][2].
One notably serious long-term effect is dental decay, caused by the sublingual buprenorphine in Suboxone. This can lead to tooth loss, cavities, and oral infections severe enough to prompt legal action against the manufacturer[1].
Mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties (difficulty concentrating) have been reported with prolonged use[2]. Physical risks include potential liver damage and seizures, which demand monitoring by healthcare providers[2].
Dependence and withdrawal symptoms are also critical concerns. Suboxone can cause physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms like muscle/joint pain, irritability, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress[1][4].
Common side effects like nausea, headaches, constipation, and fatigue may persist or occur intermittently during long-term treatment, requiring symptom management[1][5]. Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include respiratory issues and irregular heartbeat[5].
It's not completely understood whether Suboxone is safe to use while pregnant, but guidelines recommend continuing Suboxone therapy during pregnancy due to the risk of opioid dependence causing harm to a pregnant person and a newborn.
Withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone may include headache, anxiety, stomach cramps, depression, tremors, sweating, restlessness, and seizure. Serious side effects of Suboxone include respiratory depression, adrenal insufficiency, severe dental problems, orthostatic hypotension, problems with coordination and balance, liver damage, withdrawal and dependence, misuse and addiction, and severe allergic reaction[2][5].
During Suboxone treatment, it is important to have recommended blood tests even if you aren't experiencing symptoms. Allergic reactions with Suboxone occurred in clinical trials and after the drug was approved for use.
Suboxone is available in the form of a sublingual film that dissolves under the tongue. It's not the right treatment for everyone, and it may not be suitable for those with a history of head injury or certain other brain conditions, liver disease, or allergic reaction to Suboxone or any of its ingredients.
It's not known if it's safe to breastfeed during Suboxone treatment, so it's important to talk with your doctor if you're breastfeeding during treatment. Suboxone is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder.
Mild side effects of Suboxone include insomnia, pain, numbing sensation in the mouth, burning mouth syndrome, anxiety, fatigue, withdrawal symptoms, constipation, headache, nausea, and mild allergic reaction[2].
Medical supervision is essential, especially for long-term use, due to the risks of dependence and various side effects associated with Suboxone. If you experience serious side effects while taking Suboxone, talk with your doctor.
[1] DrugAbuse.gov. (n.d.). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/medications-opioid-use-disorder/medications-used-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder
[2] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Buprenorphine. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/buprenorphine
[3] Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Suboxone Film. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021590s039lbl.pdf
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Buprenorphine. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/buprenorphine
[5] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Suboxone. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601224.html
- Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, contains buprenorphine and naloxone, and its long-term use can lead to a range of side effects such as dental decay, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, liver damage, seizures, overdose risk, and mental health symptoms.
- Notably, dental decay is a severe long-term effect of Suboxone, caused by the sublingual buprenorphine, potentially leading to tooth loss, cavities, and oral infections dangerous enough to merit legal action.
- In terms of mental health, prolonged use of Suboxone has been linked to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties (difficulty concentrating), as well as dependence and withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued.
- The long-term use of Suboxone may also cause physical risks such as potential liver damage, seizures, and side effects like nausea, headaches, constipation, and fatigue that persist or occur intermittently during treatment.
- It's important to note that the use of Suboxone may have potential impacts on other aspects of health and wellness, such as nutrition, mental health, and the risk of CBD interaction, and it's crucial to discuss these matters with your healthcare provider during treatment.
