Side Effects of Suboxone Abuse
Suboxone is a combination drug that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. Both drugs decrease withdrawal symptoms when an individual is recovering from opioid addiction. However, Suboxone in itself has addictive tendencies. Suboxone can also be abused on its own, leading to mental and physical symptoms.
Are you or someone you love suffering from a Suboxone addiction? Zinnia Health can give you the support you need to quit for good. Contact our team today by calling (855) 430-9439 or visiting our website.
What Are The Side Effects of Prescription Suboxone?
Two important components make up Suboxone: buprenorphine, which is an opioid more potent than morphine, and naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist. This is the opposite of an opioid agonist, which is what heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and other commonly misused drugs are.
The combination of an antagonist and agonist means that Suboxone does attach to opioid receptors, but it has minimal effects, which helps reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone is used in medication-assisted treatment to help people recovering from drug addiction overcome uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that make recovery more difficult.
This leads to side effects such as:
- Reduction of drug cravings in someone addicted to a more potent opioid
- Reduction of opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Decreased opioid dependence over time
- Risk of an opioid overdose if not managed by a healthcare provider
The presence of a strong opioid within Suboxone means that it can be misused.
While Suboxone leads to less of an effect for someone recovering from strong drugs, it can cause an addiction in someone without a history of opioid use disorder. In this case, you need to consider the side effects of Suboxone abuse.
What Are The Short-Term Side Effects of Suboxone Abuse?
Especially in someone who does not have a history of using opioid drugs, Suboxone can have similar side effects as other opioids.
In someone who is suffering from mental health disorders like depression or anxiety, Suboxone poses an even higher risk of addiction.
Recognizing an addiction early is the best way to help someone recover. The short-term side effects include:
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Trouble concentrating
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Pain, especially in the back
Continued use of Suboxone can lead to tolerance, dependence, addiction, and eventual opioid cravings. While the short-term symptoms may go ignored or unnoticed, the long-term symptoms tend to become much stronger and more apparent.
You can’t overcome a Suboxone addiction alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, we’re in your corner. Contact Zinnia Health today by calling (855) 430-9439 or visiting our website.
What Are The Long-Term Side Effects of Suboxone Abuse?
Continued use of Suboxone can lead to behavioral and mental health changes, along with changes in physical appearance. The most common long-term side effects include:
- Changes in mood, such as anxiety and depression
- Changes in behavior, such as fatigue and withdrawal
- Irregular sleeping patterns and trouble sleeping
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Especially if you suspect a loved one of suffering from drug abuse, recognizing the signs of drug use can be difficult. Since many signs of Suboxone abuse could be chalked up to stress or general life changes, you might be hesitant to ask someone about Suboxone use.
The sooner you can help someone get into a Suboxone addiction treatment program, the easier recovery will be.
Signs and Symptoms of Suboxone Abuse
Suboxone was created to support addiction treatment for individuals addicted to highly potent opioids. However, Suboxone withdrawal in and of itself can be uncomfortable.
The effects of opioids on the brain alter the brain’s chemistry, which is why recovering from opioids takes time and the help of support groups, professionals, and a dedicated treatment center.
If someone tries to quit taking Suboxone on their own, they’ll have to face the following:
- Flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches and pains
- Intense drug cravings
- Inability to concentrate and perform daily tasks
- Agitation and aggressive behavior
- Impulsiveness and poor judgment
Suppose someone is also suffering from another substance use disorder, such as alcohol addiction, or a co-occurring condition (i.e., depression). In that case, recovery will require that much more assistance to ensure the individual gets through Suboxone treatment as easily and successfully as possible.
Get Help With Suboxone Addiction Today
Understanding your treatment options for a Suboxone addiction is often the first step to getting help. Once you know how Suboxone affects you and how you can be led through the recovery process by caring, confidential professionals, you’ll have the information you need to take the next step.
If you’re interested in learning more about the types of Suboxone treatment available, we can walk you through your options. Contact Zinnia Health today by calling (855) 430-9439 or visiting our website.
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