Everyone’s bodies are different, and coming to peace with your body can be an important part of your health and well-being. But because we live in a world where people can be judgmental about body size, weight changes may bring up difficult emotions. The truth is, there are so many different reasons why weight may go up or down. Sometimes it’s changes in eating or exercising. It can also be the result of sleep patterns, stress levels, or certain health conditions. In addition, some medications, like Suboxone, have side effects that may affect your weight.
If you’re talking to your doctor about taking Suboxone to treat opioid use disorder, here’s what to know about how it can affect your body.
4 reasons that Suboxone may lead to weight gain
Suboxone can help move you along your journey to recovery, and it can be helpful to learn what to expect while taking it. A medication like Suboxone can cause side effects that can vary in severity for each person. Possible side effects include headaches, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and increased sweating.
Weight gain isn’t a direct side effect of taking the medication. However, it can affect your body in different ways that may be factors in gaining weight.
By learning about how Suboxone can affect your weight, you can be aware of any issues that may need to be talked about with your doctor if they aren’t expected. Any concerns should always be discussed with your provider.
Here are four ways Suboxone may affect your weight:
- You’re eating more — Suboxone may make you want to eat more, which can cause weight gain. When you were using opioids, it’s possible that you weren’t hungry enough to eat the amount of calories you need each day. Many people experience a suppressed appetite while taking opioids. Once you start your road to recovery from opioid use disorder, your body begins returning to how it was before using due to more stable routines.
- You’re potentially less active — A lack of physical activity can come from the possible flu-like side effects of Suboxone, which can make it difficult to stay active. However, once a person is on a stable dose, Suboxone typically improves overall functioning by preventing withdrawal and stabilizing mood, which can lead to more activity. If they continue to be fatigued or less active, it may be due to dose adjustment or co-occurring conditions.
- You’re craving sugar — If you’re craving a sweet treat more than you used to, it could be due to the Suboxone. Some research connects increased sugar cravings with opioid treatment, which often includes Suboxone due to the change in reward pathways. It could also be your mind wanting to replace the “happy hormones” that are released when taking opioids.
- You’re retaining water — Retaining water means that fluid builds up in your cells, which often causes swelling and weight gain. Although water retention isn’t a direct side effect of Suboxone, the other effects could potentially lead to it. For example, a lack of exercise and a change of diet, such as eating sugary or processed foods, may cause water retention.
Groups can help you understand and manage the effects of Suboxone
Body changes of any kind can be concerning if you don’t know the cause for it. That’s why it’s important to know all the potential ways that Suboxone can affect your body.
Every person treated at Groups is prescribed Suboxone as their first step on the road to recovery. We make sure that you know everything you need to know about the medication before starting it, including potential reactions or side effects. We can also make possible adjustments to your prescription if you’re having severe issues.
While Suboxone can affect everyone differently, it can play a big role in treating opioid use disorder and working toward the future you want.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
