When it comes to getting treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), there are a number of options. As the gold-standard treatment for OUD, Suboxone can be a great medication option. If you’re thinking about starting Suboxone for opioid use disorder (OUD), you may have some concerns about side effects. One common question is: “Will Suboxone make me feel tired?”
The short answer is yes, Suboxone can cause fatigue. Suboxone can make you sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded. This is one reason why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Suboxone affects you.
However, side effects like fatigue are usually mild and temporary. Many people find that the benefits of Suboxone far outweigh the potential side effects.
Read on to find out why Suboxone might make you feel tired and why fatigue shouldn’t stop you from seeking treatment.
Why does Suboxone make you feel tired?
Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist — it attaches to opioid receptors in the brain but does not make you feel high like full opioids. It does still affect these receptors, though. This means buprenorphine can lead to drowsiness and slow reaction times.
For many people, side effects like fatigue go away within a few days or weeks as their bodies get used to the medication. If your fatigue lasts longer, your provider may adjust your dose. They might also recommend other ways to manage the effect.
4 reasons why you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for a prescription
Even though fatigue can happen, it should not stop you from getting treatment. Suboxone can save lives and help people rebuild while recovering from OUD. Here are four big reasons why you should not hesitate to reach out to a Suboxone provider:
- Suboxone can make you feel more energized — On Suboxone, you might experience some temporary fatigue. Over time, though, you might feel much more energized on a day-to-day basis. Suboxone reduces cravings, so you are not constantly spending time and energy thinking about opioids. Suboxone also works to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, which may exhaust your body. Some potential symptoms of withdrawal include a high heart rate, muscle tension, and yawning. You may also have difficulty sleeping. Your body may work hard to adjust to having no opioids in your system. With Suboxone, you can manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid the complete exhaustion that can come with them.
- Suboxone helps prevent using opioids — One of the biggest reasons to take Suboxone is that it lowers the risk of using opioids again. Research shows that people who take medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are much less likely to return to opioid use. Stopping opioids without medication can be very difficult. Cravings can be strong, and withdrawal symptoms may seem unbearable. These factors can lead to someone using again. Suboxone helps people avoid using again by making recovery more pleasant.
- Fatigue can be managed — Fatigue isn’t permanent or unchangeable. If you feel tired after Suboxone doses, there are a few things you can do to manage your energy levels. One thing you can do is stay hydrated and nourished. Drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious food can help you feel energized throughout the day. Getting consistent sleep and engaging in frequent exercise may be helpful as well. If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue, talk to your provider. They might offer further guidance or adjust your dose.
- Suboxone can have long-term benefits — Fatigue might affect you for a few days. Suboxone can offer lifelong benefits. Fear of a temporary side effect like fatigue should not keep you from getting medication that can improve your health in so many ways. Suboxone is intended to help people avoid risky opioid use and feel more stable. By reducing your withdrawal symptoms and cravings, Suboxone can help you focus on other aspects of your recovery. These might include participating in support groups or working toward your life goals.
Get your Suboxone prescription at Groups
If you or a loved one is thinking about starting Suboxone, don’t let fear of tiredness stop you. The benefits for people taking Suboxone tend to be far greater than the risks.
If you’re interested in getting a prescription for managing your opioid use disorder, Groups can help. We offer Suboxone prescriptions as well as services like support groups and life-goal assistance. If you want more information about Suboxone’s effects or how our treatment works, you can always reach out.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today to learn more about Suboxone or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country—and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups does not offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
