Suboxone, a prescription medication composed of buprenorphine and naloxone, is widely used to treat opioid dependence. While it can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, it also carries potential side effects that users should understand. Knowing what to expect helps patients and healthcare providers manage treatment safely. This guide provides a clear, expert overview of Suboxone side effects, how the medication makes you feel, withdrawal timelines, and the potential for misuse.
How Suboxone Works
Suboxone combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, providing relief from withdrawal symptoms without producing the full “high” of other opioids. Naloxone is included primarily to prevent misuse via injection, as it can trigger withdrawal if Suboxone is misused.
The buprenorphine and naloxone combination is specifically designed to reduce abuse potential while maintaining treatment effectiveness. By stabilizing brain chemistry, Suboxone helps patients reduce or eliminate the use of more potent opioids. However, even under medical supervision, side effects can occur. Not everyone experiences the same side effects, but knowing the most common ones can help prevent unnecessary fear and complications.
Common Suboxone Side Effects
Most Suboxone side effects are mild and tend to improve as the body adjusts. Clinical studies show these are the most frequently reported Suboxone side effects during early treatment. They can affect multiple systems:
Physical Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
- Neurological: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness
- Sleep-related: Insomnia, restless sleep, fatigue
- General: Sweating, body aches, feeling warm or flushed
Mouth/Throat Side Effects (Film)
- Numbness or burning sensation
- Mild pain or irritation in the cheek or tongue
These oral side effects are more common with sublingual Suboxone films.
Emotional or Psychological Effects
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Mood changes or irritability
- Brain fog or memory difficulties
These effects are usually temporary and manageable with proper medical guidance. Adjustments in dosage or timing often reduce discomfort.
Serious Side Effects That Require Immediate Medical Attention
Although rare, Suboxone can lead to severe complications:
- Respiratory issues: Slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness
- Liver problems: Jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, upper right abdominal pain
- Allergic reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Heart complications: Irregular heartbeat, chest tightness
- Mental health risks: Severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations
Patients with preexisting conditions or those taking other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines are at higher risk.
How Does Suboxone Make You Feel?
Many users report feeling relaxed or calm, which helps counter the anxiety and discomfort of opioid withdrawal. Some describe mild euphoria initially, but because buprenorphine is a partial agonist, it generally does not produce the intense “high” associated with full opioids. Side effects on mood and cognition, such as anxiety, irritability, or brain fog, are common during the first days of treatment and tend to decrease over time.
Will Suboxone Get You High?
For individuals with no opioid tolerance, Suboxone may cause mild euphoria. For patients using it as prescribed for opioid dependence, it rarely induces the intense high of other opioids. Its design limits abuse potential, especially when taken orally as a sublingual film.
Suboxone Withdrawal: Timeline and Symptoms
Stopping Suboxone abruptly can trigger withdrawal. Symptoms may vary depending on dosage, duration, and individual physiology.
Acute Withdrawal (Days 1–7)
- Muscle aches, cramps, and twitches
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
Protracted Withdrawal (Weeks–Months)
- Persistent anxiety or depression
- Intense cravings
- Mood swings and irritability
- Sleep disturbances
Careful tapering under medical supervision is essential to reduce withdrawal severity and prevent relapse. Withdrawal duration and severity depend heavily on dose and tapering strategy. Learn more about long Suboxone withdrawal.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term Suboxone use, especially at high doses or without medical supervision, may result in:
- Chronic constipation
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Hormonal changes affecting sex drive or fertility
- Worsening or onset of underlying mental health disorders
- Behavioral consequences may include detachment from normal life routines, social withdrawal, or financial stress if medication is misused.
Myths vs Facts About Suboxone
| Myth | Fact |
| Suboxone is as addictive as heroin | Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with lower addiction potential |
| Suboxone always causes severe withdrawal | Withdrawal severity varies; tapering reduces symptoms |
| You can get high from Suboxone if used as prescribed | Proper use rarely causes euphoria for opioid-tolerant patients |
| Suboxone treatment alone is enough | Combining medication with counseling improves long-term recovery |
Pro Tips for Managing Side Effects
- Stay hydrated – helps reduce constipation and fatigue.
- Maintain a balanced diet – supports liver function and energy levels.
- Follow a tapering plan – prevents intense withdrawal.
- Communicate with your provider – any new or worsening symptoms should be reported immediately.
- Avoid alcohol or sedatives – these increase the risk of respiratory depression.
Conclusion
If you’re navigating opioid dependence, you don’t have to do it alone. Digipsych provides compassionate, expert guidance to help you manage Suboxone treatment, minimize side effects, and stay on track toward recovery.
Our experienced team supports you every step of the way, ensuring you regain balance, clarity, and control right from the comfort of your home. Reach out today to take the first step toward a safer, healthier recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does Suboxone withdrawal last?
Acute withdrawal generally lasts 5–10 days; protracted symptoms can continue for weeks or months. - Can Suboxone cause liver damage?
Yes, especially with prolonged use or if combined with alcohol. Monitor for jaundice or dark urine. - Is Suboxone addictive?
It has lower addiction potential than full opioids but can cause dependence if misused. - Can Suboxone affect mental health?
Yes, it may trigger anxiety, depression, or mood swings, particularly in patients with underlying conditions. - How does Suboxone compare to methadone?
Suboxone has a ceiling effect on respiratory depression, making it safer in overdose risk; methadone has stronger opioid effects. - Can I use Suboxone while pregnant?
Only under strict medical supervision. Buprenorphine is preferred over methadone in some cases. - Can Suboxone cause constipation?
Yes, chronic constipation is a common side effect, especially with long-term use.