Suboxone is commonly used as part of the treatment of opioid addiction. It’s a medicine that combines two active ingredients.

The first is buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and the second is naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

Buprenorphine attaches to the brain receptors that opioids do, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same high.

Suboxone is typically used as part of an in-depth addiction treatment plan, which may include therapy and counseling.

It helps to gradually reduce dependence on opioids in a safer, more controlled manner, which is often essential in preventing relapse during recovery.

Importance of Understanding Long-Term Effects

Like any long-term treatment, Suboxone can come with potential side effects that may not be apparent right away.

How Suboxone Works in the Body

Suboxone is a medication to assist in the treatment of opioid addiction by minimizing or alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means it binds to the brain’s opioid receptors but only partially activates them. This results in a “ceiling effect,” where taking more of the drug doesn’t increase its effects, reducing the risk of misuse.

Buprenorphine helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the intense euphoria associated with full opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers.

Naloxone is included in Suboxone to prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject or misuse the medication, the naloxone blocks the opioid receptors, preventing a high and reducing the chances of abuse.

Together, these components make Suboxone a safer alternative to opioids, offering relief but not the high and dangerous side effects that can come with opioid use.

Purpose in Treatment

Opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, with symptoms ranging from nausea, sweating, and irritability to muscle pain and anxiety. Buprenorphine’s partial activation of opioid receptors helps to relieve these symptoms, making the transition of opioids much more manageable.

One of the hardest aspects of opioid addiction is the constant craving for the drug. Suboxone works by maintaining a low level of opioid receptor activation, helping to curb these cravings without leading to the addictive high of full opioids.

In the early stages of recovery, when the body is adjusting to life without opioids, Suboxone provides a stabilizing effect.

Common Short-Term Effects

While Suboxone is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience short-term side effects when they first start taking the medication.

These effects are often mild and subside as the body adjusts to the treatment.

Some of the most common short-term side effects include:

• Many people report experiencing headaches, especially in the initial stages of treatment. This can be a common side effect when adjusting to the medication.
• Some individuals may feel nauseous or even vomit when starting Suboxone. This can be linked to the medication’s interaction with the opioid receptors in the brain.
• Another common short-term effect is dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly. This tends to happen as the body adjusts to the medication and the effects on the central nervous system.

Long-Term Side Effects of Suboxone

While Suboxone can be highly effective in managing opioid addiction, its long-term use can bring about various physical and psychological side effects.

Physical Effects

One of the most notable long-term physical effects of Suboxone use is lowered testosterone levels. This is a common side effect of opioids and their impact on the body’s hormonal regulation.

Using Suboxone may experience symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, and mood swings, which can be attributed to these hormonal changes. Women may also experience irregular menstrual cycles or changes in libido.

Suboxone can impact liver function over time, particularly for individuals with preexisting liver conditions. Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients, is processed by the liver, and long-term use may put additional strain on this organ.

Regular liver function tests may be done to monitor for any signs of liver damage, such as elevated liver enzymes.

Long-term Suboxone use has been linked to tooth and mouth problems, including dry mouth (xerostomia) and tooth decay. The medication can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth environment that fosters the growth of bacteria, creating the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Psychological Effects

Some individuals may experience mood swings, irritability, or even depression. These effects may stem from changes in brain chemistry as the body adapts to the medication’s effects.

While Suboxone is designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it can also alter the balance of neurotransmitters, which may contribute to mental health challenges.

Another psychological effect that can occur with prolonged use of Suboxone is memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction. Some users report difficulty concentrating or remembering things clearly, which can affect their daily functioning and overall quality of life. These mental issues are typically mild but can be disruptive over time.

Dependency and Tolerance

Although Suboxone is considered less addictive than full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers, physical dependency can still develop with prolonged use.

As the body gets used to the medication, a person may become dependent on it to feel “normal,” and abruptly stopping Suboxone could lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, or sleep problems.

Over time, the same dose of Suboxone may become less effective at managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, potentially requiring dosage adjustments or a reevaluation of treatment strategies.

Addressing and Managing Long-Term Effects

Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider can help track physical health, including liver function and hormonal levels, and address any psychological concerns like mood swings or cognitive issues.

Monitoring also ensures that the medication is working as intended and allows for adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Supportive Therapies for Long-Term Recovery

Complementary supportive therapies can be highly beneficial in managing long-term recovery. These therapies, used alongside Suboxone, promote holistic recovery and help address the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of addiction.

• Ongoing therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals manage any psychological side effects, such as mood swings or depression, and develop coping strategies for long-term recovery.
• Regular physical activity is a good way to counteract the negative physical effects of Suboxone. Exercise can improve mood, help balance hormones, and reduce stress.
• A balanced diet can help address any nutritional deficiencies and promote overall health, which is especially important for individuals dealing with the physical side effects of Suboxone.

Alternative Treatments

For individuals who experience too many long-term side effects from Suboxone, there are alternative treatments available.

Methadone is a commonly used alternative in opioid addiction treatment and works similarly to Suboxone but has its own set of risks and benefits.

Outpatient therapy, including intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or counseling, may also be suitable for those who prefer to avoid medication altogether or who are looking for a different approach to recovery.

Find Out if Suboxone is Right for You

Suboxone is an effective tool for treating opioid dependence and addiction, but long-term use can lead to various side effects.

Dependency and tolerance can also develop over time, affecting a person’s recovery journey. However, many of these effects can be managed to maintain recovery progress with proper monitoring, the use of supportive therapies, and regular adjustments to the treatment plan.

If you or a loved one is using Suboxone as part of addiction recovery and are concerned about long-term side effects, it’s important to reach out for professional support.

Moving Mountains Recovery offers personalized guidance and treatment options tailored to your needs. Contact us about Suboxone treatment, alternative therapies, and how we can help you on your path to long-term recovery.

References:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Buprenorphine
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Suboxone: Rationale, Science, Misconceptions
3. African Journal of Psychiatry: Long-term Suboxone Treatment and its Benefit on Long-Term Remission for Opiate Dependence