Buprenex (generic name: buprenorphine) is a medication used to relieve moderate to intense pain. It belongs to the category of medicines called mixed opioid agonist-antagonists, and it works similarly to such drugs as morphine, heroin and codeine. Typically, you will take 0.3mg of a Buprenex tablet sublingually (under the tongue) or get a 1mL intravenous (through your vein) injection over two minutes, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Routine Side Effects
In a study of 1,133 patients receiving Buprenex, the National Library of Medicine reports that 1 to 5 percent experienced sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, miosis (pinpoint pupils) and hypotension (low blood pressure). Drugs.com indicates that Buprenex can also cause depression, anxiety, back pain, runny nose, trouble sleeping and diaphoresis (sweating). Other routine side effects are skin warmth, weakness, stomach discomfort and constipation. It is best to inform your physician when these symptoms do not disappear within three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Buprenex can cause difficulty breathing, confusion, lightheadedness and nausea. Buprenex can also cause fainting spells, strange behaviors or thoughts, stomach pain, poor appetite and dark-colored urine. Other side effects include jaundice, a condition in which your skin and eyes turn yellow in color. Jaundice is typically a sign of ensuing liver problems. Call 911 immediately, because these symptoms can be fatal.
Other Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Buprenex can cause blurry vision, dry mouth, slurred speech, pruritus (itching) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Buprenex can also lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), cyanosis (condition in which you turn blue), urinary retention and hallucinations. Other serious side effects include coma, tremors, paleness, agitation, convulsions, diarrhea and lack of muscle coordination.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Buprenex when you have allergies to it or its ingredients. You may develop severe breathing problems, angioedema (facial, tongue and lip swelling) or hives. Call 911.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Buprenex. The combination alone can cause death.
Drugs.com says that you should tell your doctor if you suffer from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease (COPD), mental illness and liver or kidney problems. Your doctor may have to adjust your dosage to prevent the aforementioned side effects. In some cases, you may not be able to take Buprenex.
Inform your physician whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Buprenex can pass into your breast milk and harm your baby in utero.
Avoid Buprenex if you have a history of substance abuse. You can become physically and mentally dependent on Buprenex.
The National Library of Medicine warns to be cautious if you have a head injury or increased intracranial (skull) pressure. Buprenex may increase your cerebrospinal fluid (clear fluid that provides nutrients and protects your brain and spinal cord) pressure.
Drugs.com says that you should tell your doctor if you are taking clarithromycin, lorazepam, rifampin or phenobarbital. These drugs can combine with Buprenex and cause the aforementioned symptoms.
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