Suboxone Abuse Signs, Symptoms, & Side Effects
Erratic behavior can also lead to challenges interpersonally. Many Suboxone abusers lose interest in existing relationships because all they can think about is Suboxone. In order to obtain more of the drug, they may lie to loved ones, ask for or steal money from friends or family, and “doctor shop” to find multiple doctors who will give them a prescription. Additionally, emotional flatness can make it difficult to maintain relationships. One 2013 study found that people who used Suboxone for a long period of time had significantly less emotional self-awareness of feeling happy, sad and anxious. Rather, the users often displayed an apathetic mood (defined as an aloof or disinterested demeanor). Like other medications, Suboxone comes with its own set of side effects. This drug has a powerful impact on the brain, causing side effects to manifest both physically and mentally. For some, the side effects are why they begin using Suboxone. Those who use Suboxone often find pleasure in these side effects: But the negative side effects in both the short-term and the long-term far outweigh the positive ones. Undesirable short-term Suboxone effects include: Undesirable long-term Suboxone effects include: There may be additional side effects of Suboxone use if the abuser was first addicted to another substance before using Suboxone. For example, if an abuser was addicted to heroin before using Suboxone and developing a second addiction, they may be more likely to develop addiction to another drug, less likely to want to try another cessation drug like methadone, and less likely to want to attend rehab due to past bad experiences. Suboxone also presents certain side effects based on the abuser’s gender. For example, a 2012 study showed that about 83 percent of men who used buprenorphine (an active ingredient in Suboxone) experienced low sexual satisfaction and some form of sexual dysfunction, including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and low sex drive. On the female side, clinicians previously believed methadone treatment to be the only option for opioid-addicted pregnant women. However, new evidence shows that it is medically acceptable to use Suboxone during pregnancy. The FDA considers Suboxone a Class C drug, which means that Suboxone may pose risks to the mother or fetus, but a doctor may deem it medically necessary. Essentially, using Suboxone is better for mother and baby than if she were to continue using heroin or another opioid drug of abuse. The good news is, many of these side effects can be reversed if the person stops abusing Suboxone and begins a life of sobriety. Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a 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 provider. Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help. Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Tearing
Fainting
Appetite loss
Impaired or slurred speech
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Sweating
Sleep trouble
Muscle aches
Drowsiness
Increased blood pressure