Explore the short- and long-term side effects of Suboxone, including sleepiness, dizziness, and withdrawal symptoms. Get expert care and personalized support at Rockland Recovery in Braintree, MA.
Suboxone is a prescription medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. If you’re thinking about starting treatment or supporting someone who is, it’s essential to know the Suboxone side effects—both short-term and long-term. This blog will break down what to expect and how to manage it.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating a high like other opioids. Naloxone is added to prevent misuse. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone can help people in recovery stay on track.
This form of maintenance therapy helps many people build a new life without the constant cycle of cravings and withdrawal. But like all medications, Suboxone can have side effects.
Common Side Effects of Suboxone
Not everyone will experience side effects, but some symptoms are more common during the early days of treatment. These may include constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, nausea or vomiting, sweating, and dry mouth. Often, these side effects fade as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, your provider may recommend adjusting your dose.
Less Common But Serious Side Effects
While most side effects are mild, some can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. Signs of a serious reaction include trouble breathing, a severe allergic response such as rash, itching, or swelling, confusion or unusual thoughts, and symptoms of liver problems like yellowing skin or eyes and dark urine. Although rare, these reactions can be life-threatening. It’s essential to take Suboxone exactly as prescribed and maintain regular contact with your healthcare provider.
Buprenorphine Side Effects
Since buprenorphine is the main active ingredient in Suboxone, some people may notice specific side effects related to it. These may include:
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Rapid heartbeat
These effects often lessen with time and proper dose adjustment.
Suboxone Withdrawal – What Happens If You Stop Suddenly?
Stopping Suboxone without a taper plan can lead to withdrawal, which often includes symptoms such as anxiety or irritability, muscle pain, sweating, nausea, insomnia, and cravings for opioids. These symptoms occur because the body has become dependent on the medication, and withdrawal is especially common when someone tries to quit Suboxone too quickly without medical support. Tapering off under professional care can help ease these effects. At Rockland Recovery, our team develops personalized taper plans to support safe transitions—whether you’re ready to stop Suboxone or looking to shift to another form of treatment.
Will Suboxone Make You Sleepy?
A common question is, “Will Suboxone make you sleepy?” The answer is yes—it can cause drowsiness in some individuals, particularly during the initial few days of use or when combined with other medications. If you feel overly tired, it is vital to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how your body responds. Sleepiness is more likely when you’re just starting Suboxone, when you’re taking other medications that have sedative effects, or if your dose is too high. Always inform your healthcare provider if you feel exhausted during the day; they may adjust your dosage or help identify other possible causes.
Long-Term Suboxone Use
Long-term Suboxone use can be safe and effective when supervised by a doctor. For many people, it’s part of a long-term recovery strategy and a tool to avoid relapse. Some individuals may take Suboxone for months or even years.
Still, long-term use may come with side effects such as:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Dental issues from dry mouth
- Increased dependency on the medication
These risks should be weighed against the benefits. Continuing Suboxone is often safer than returning to opioid use, and many people live healthy, full lives while on Suboxone MAT.
How to Manage Suboxone Side Effects
Here are some ways to reduce or manage side effects:
- Constipation: Drink more water, eat high-fiber foods, or use stool softeners.
- Dizziness: Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions.
- Sleepiness: Avoid driving until your body adjusts; talk to your provider if it persists.
- Dry mouth: Use sugar-free gum or candy and stay hydrated.
Staying in close communication with your care team is key. Small changes in your dose or routine can make a big difference.
Suboxone and Dependency
Suboxone can lead to physical dependency, but that’s different from addiction. Dependency means your body needs the medicine to function, while addiction involves compulsive drug use and harmful behavior. In medication-assisted treatment, dependency is expected and managed as part of recovery.
The goal isn’t always to stop Suboxone right away. It’s to build a life where you’re stable, healthy, and no longer trapped by opioid addiction.
Your Recovery Matters—Call Rockland Recovery Today
At Rockland Recovery in Braintree, MA, we understand that starting Suboxone can feel overwhelming. You may wonder about side effects, withdrawal, or how long you’ll be on it. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our team offers personalized Suboxone MAT programs, full medical support, and counseling services to make your journey as safe and successful as possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, don’t wait.
Call Rockland Recovery today or visit our Braintree location to learn how Suboxone can help you reclaim your life.