Suboxone is the primary medication that we use at Groups. Suboxone has many benefits over the other options for treating opioid use disorder like methadone. Primarily, it’s much safer, much more convenient, and less likely to cause a “high.”
Before taking Suboxone, you should understand what side effects are common and how to manage them. You should also know what symptoms may require medical attention. In this blog post, we’ll discuss eight common side effects of Suboxone and others that are less common.
18 side effects that may accompany Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) and how to manage them
The most common side effects of Suboxone are related to the mouth and teeth. Many people don’t love the taste of the medication, but typically this isn’t so bad that it prevents them from taking it. You can ask your prescriber to experiment with different formulations (e.g., tablet vs. film, name brand vs. generic).
Long-term use of the medication can cause mouth sores or tooth decay, so if you have pain or redness in your mouth, let your care provider know. It’s important to only take as directed and to always have regular dental care. Dissolve your strip or tablet on alternating sides of your mouth each day. Swish some water in your mouth after the strip dissolves and avoid eating for 30 minutes. Don’t brush your teeth for an hour after taking one. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and sugary or acidic foods, as these can accelerate tooth decay.
The following are other common side effects of Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) and not usually a cause for concern. Typically these symptoms will go away within a few days as your body gets used to the new medication. Try these recommendations to help manage mild side effects.
- Constipation — Stay hydrated, eat plenty of fiber, and exercise. Over-the-counter laxatives can also be helpful.
- Upset stomach or stomach pain — Take Suboxone after a meal or take an antacid.
- Sleep disruption — Go to bed at a regular time and avoid caffeine and napping.
- Aches and pains — Try a heating pad, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
- Sweating
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
- A feeling of warmth or heat
If you have the following symptoms while taking buprenorphine-naloxone and they don’t go away, you should seek medical care:
- Slowed breathing
- Mouth numbness or redness
- Mouth sores or tongue pain
- Blurred vision
- Severe back pain
- Agitation
- Hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
Get help managing buprenorphine-naloxone side effects and navigating recovery
Suboxone has a long list of potential side effects. However, the most severe ones aren’t common. Most people only have a couple of mild side effects, if any. Again, the negative effects of Suboxone are typically much more tolerable than opiate withdrawal. It also doesn’t come with the same risks as other medications for opioid use disorder.
You should find a physician you trust to help you decide if Suboxone is right for you and manage your prescription. Don’t know where to find one? We can help.
At Groups, we provide comprehensive care that includes Suboxone and plenty of personal support. You’ll work with a physician, a licensed counselor, and a group of peers who are also in recovery from OUD. You can share anything with your care providers — we don’t shame or guilt people for using opioids, and we don’t kick people out for using. At Groups, you can also talk with other people about their experiences with Suboxone.
Are you looking for access to buprenorphine-naloxone? Let’s talk about it. Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
