The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 341,000 people were medically treated for heroin addiction in 2008. According to its maker, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals (RBP), Suboxone is a drug prescribed for the medical treatment of opioid dependence, and is taken by placing the tablet under the tongue until it dissolves. Suboxone is actually a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine serves to lessen the withdrawal symptoms from opiates, and naloxone counteracts the opioid effects when the drug is snorted or injected, thus discouraging misuse. However, Suboxone itself also comes with possible withdrawal symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
The principle ingredient of Suboxone, buprenorphine, is itself an opiate; however, it is long-acting, and does not produce the intense high that other opiate drugs do. According to MedlinePlus, opiate withdrawal symptoms may accompany treatment with Suboxone if the patient is not weaned off the medication. The common withdrawal symptoms that accompany Suboxone use include diarrhea, anxiety, fever, sneezing, runny nose, goose bumps, abnormal skin sensations (tingling, numbness), vomiting, nausea, pain, rigid muscles, rapid heartbeat, shivering, sweating, tremors and insomnia. These are all symptoms that Merck Manuals describe as typical withdrawal symptoms of opiate drugs, including heroin.
Behavioral Symptoms
Anasthesia Assisted Medical Opiate Detoxification, Inc (AAMOD) reports that obvious signs of withdrawal from opiate drugs, including Suboxone, include changes in behavior. For example, an individual may become preoccupied, or even obsessed, with obtaining more of the drug. According to AAMOD, Suboxone has a high potential of being an abused drug, and those withdrawing from it may engage in extreme drug-seeking behaviors, such as doctor-shopping and/or criminal behavior to obtain more of the drug.
Psychological Symptoms
According to AAMOD, some people withdrawing from the Suboxone ingredient buprnorphine experience psychological symptoms. These symptoms may include hallucinations such as seeing, hearing and feeling things that are not there.
