Suboxone is a medication used to manage opiate (such as heroine and morphine) addiction. According to Drugs.com, Suboxone is a combination of the drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that works similarly to heroine, codeine and morphine but it doesn't produce as much of a "high." Naloxone is utilized to block opioids' addictive affects. Suboxone is available as a sublingual (placed under the tongue) tablet. Typically, you will take 12 to 16 mg daily.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Suboxone will typically cause constipation, headaches, nausea, sweating and stomach pain. It can also cause trouble sleeping and generalized pain. In a placebo-controlled study of 107 patients receiving 16 mg of Suboxone each day, the National Library of Medicine says that 36.4 percent developed a headache, 22.4 percent developed generalized pain, 11.2 percent developed stomach pain and 3.7 percent developed back pain. Also, 12.1 percent developed constipation, 14 percent developed insomnia and 14 percent developed diaphoresis (sweating). Talk to your physician if these side effects last for more than four days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that the buprenorphine component of Suboxone can cause respiratory depression and even death. Also, Suboxone may lead to liver failure, hepatitis (liver infection) or hepatic necrosis (liver tissue death). Signs of these hepatic conditions include stomach pain, nausea and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Drugs.com indicates that Suboxone may lead to confusion or dizziness. Call your doctor if Suboxone causes these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Suboxone if you are hypersensitive to either naloxone or buprenorphone. A hypersensitivity response to Suboxone includes trouble breathing, hives and edema (swelling) of your face, tongue or lips. Do not use Suboxone if you've had a head injury or suffer from increased intracranial (within the skull) pressure, says the National Library of Medicine. It can cause miosis (pinpoint pupils) and changes in your state of consciousness. Avoid combining Suboxone with antidepressant medications, alcohol, sedatives, muscle relaxants or pain relievers, as the combination can lead to increased drowsiness. Suboxone passes into breast milk. Tell your physician if you plan to breastfeed, and she can find an alternative drug to treat your opiate addiction.
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