Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects of Buprenex Abuse

Buprenex is a narcotic used to treat moderate to severe pain and used to help people recovering from opioid addiction deal with their withdrawal symptoms.

Since Buprenex is a narcotic, the medication has a high risk for abuse and addiction because its effects are similar to those of heroin and morphine. Many people struggling with addiction will obtain Buprenex illicitly as a much cheaper alternative to heroin.

What Is Buprenex?

Buprenex is a narcotic pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Buprenex is also used during the opioid addiction treatment. The medication is administered through an IV or injected into a person’s muscles.

Like most opiates, Buprenex can cause mild to severe side effects, including:

  • Chills
  • Headaches
  • Lower back pain
  • Stuffy nose and sneezing
  • Sleep problems
  • Coughing that leads to hoarseness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea

More serious side effects caused by Buprenex are:

  • Increased sweating
  • Lightheadedness
  • Feeling of warmth in the face
  • Redness of the face and neck
  • Muscle weakness
  • Slowed breathing

If any side effects worsen or persist, call your doctor immediately.

Buprenex Addiction

Buprenex is normally used in a medical setting, though doctors can provide their patients with a take-home prescription. Buprenex should always be taken at the prescribed amount to avoid the risk of dependence and addiction.

Buprenex gives a euphoric feeling that mimics stronger opioids, like heroin, although milder. When a person starts misusing or abusing Buprenex, they will start building up a tolerance that may result in increasing their dosage to achieve the same results. Unfortunately, regular Buprenex misuse greatly increases the potential for a substance use disorder.

If someone you know is taking Buprenex and you believe that they are struggling with addiction, some common warning signs might be:

  • Ignoring other aspects of life, such as work, friendships, and hobbies.
  • Constantly seeking and talking about taking Buprenex.
  • Obtaining the opioid through means other than a prescription.
  • Encountering legal problems because of Buprenex.

Buprenex Long-Term Effects

A person who is dependent upon a substance will experience withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking it. Additionally, a person struggling with a Buprenex use disorder will not only have to deal with health problems, they may also have to resolve damaged relationships with friends and family, and even compromised job performance that could result in unemployment. Opioids like Buprenex can often cause new mental health issues and they can even make current health issues worse.

Detecting an opioid addiction early is important but it’s never too late.

At The Recovery Village, our priority is helping you recover from your substance use disorder. With access to medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms and 24/7 medical supervision, we make long-term recovery a reality. To learn more about our treatment facilities, contact our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.