Physicians prescribe Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) for the treatment of opiate dependency. The partial opioid buprenorphine works to create mild opiate-like effects to replace the targeted opiate (such as heroin or morphine). The opiate naloxone neutralizes any injected opiate the drug dependent patient may take. Harvard Medical School states that Suboxone-combination drug treatment has the advantage of being used on an outpatient basis, because the drug has no illegal market. Still, the drug has some side effects which should be considered.
Trouble Breathing
Suboxone can depress respiration through its action on the central nervous system to cause difficulty breathing, especially if you take too much or combine it with other CNS depressants like alcohol. Suboxone.com warns that breathing difficulty, dizziness, confusion, fainting or lack of awareness could indicate you are taking too much of the medication. Consult a physician if you experience these side effects.
Headaches, Nausea, Pain
Flu-like symptoms, including headaches, nausea and generalized pain, occur in a fairly large percentage of patients who take Suboxone. Drugs.com states that Suboxone mimics these symptoms, which are similar to opiate withdrawal symptoms though less intense. The website reports that 39 percent of users had headaches, 24 percent became nauseous and 16 percent felt pain when taking the drug.
Stomach Pain, Constipation
Suboxone causes gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach pain and constipation. According to Drugs.com, 12 percent of Suboxone users reported abdominal pain and 13 percent were constipated while using the drug.
Insomnia, Sweating
About one-third of Suboxone patients reported withdrawal difficulties when using the drug. Drugs.com states 23 of percent of patients reported insomnia and 13 percent had difficulties with sweating while taking the medication.
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