« Complications of Suboxone | Main | Why Doctors Won’t Offer Suboxone »
What Are Side Effects of Suboxone?
By C.King, M.Ed. | March 2, 2009
Suboxone is a medication that is used to treat opiate addiction, and it has become very widespread in its usage. While the medication is common, the knowledge of this drug is not widespread. While suboxone can be very effective, it does carry some downside. This is particularly true if you do not reveal everything to your doctor as far as medical history, drug usage habits, and current medical problems. This can lead to some very serious problems while taking suboxone, and in some serious cases, death. Also, suboxone does have a number of side effects that are not widely known.
The most severe side effect of suboxone is the fact that it can also be addictive in nature if not monitored carefully. Ironically, the very problem it treats is a side effect itself. Many people who begin taking suboxone experience withdrawal symptoms of the drugs they were previously on. Once they have gotten past that problem, the suboxone itself can become addictive. This can be managed by coming off of suboxone gradually and under the care of an observant doctor. If you try to stop taking suboxone alone, you are likely to suffer any number of withdrawal symptoms.
Some other common problems that occur while taking suboxone can include allergic reactions, slow breathing, liver problems, and extreme confusion. These are all considered medical emergencies and you should contact the doctor immediately or call 911. You do not want to risk these symptoms becoming worse, and should make certain that you get help right away to prevent a very dangerous situation.
Common symptoms that are not usually dangerous that you might experience while on suboxone include headaches, insomnia, throwing up, heavy perspiration, constipation, and stomach pain. Though these potential side effects are not usually dangerous, you should still consult with your doctor if you are uncomfortable. It is always better to be safe when dealing with a new medication.
Most of the serious problems with suboxone are when the medication does not mix well with some other medication or supplement. This is why it is vital to inform your doctor of every single medicine that you are taking including over the counter before beginning suboxone. Even the most innocent medicines can be a huge problem sometimes with suboxone.
If you are taking suboxone and try to take tranquilizers, alcohol, or other drugs, you are playing a form of Russian roulette. This can be a deadly decision and should never be attempted. Suboxone often can make the effects of these drugs more powerful, and overdose becomes a very real possibility. Never attempt to mix drugs under any situation. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medicines while on suboxone.
Like any other addiction treatment, suboxone is absolutely dependent on your commitment and therapy. You can not expect suboxone to be a magic pill that makes your addiction go away. Using suboxone in concert with the other phases of treatment, however, can be an effective way to combat drug addiction successfully.
For more help with addiction visit our network of addiction resources!
Topics: Addiction and Drug Dependency |
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.