What are Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) side effects?

Common side effects of Suboxone may include the following. Tell your doctor if they are severe or do not improve with time.

●     Headache

●     Stomachache

●     Constipation

●     Difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep

●     Tongue pain

●     Mouth redness or numbness 

●     Blurred vision

●     Back pain

Some side effects of Suboxone are more serious. You should contact your doctor without delay if you notice the following symptoms during Suboxone treatment:

●     Hives, rash, itchy skin

●     Difficulty breathing or swallowing, slowed breathing

●     Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, lips, hands, feet, or lower legs

●     Hallucinations, agitation, confusion

●     Fever, sweating, shivering, fast heartbeat, muscle twitches

●     Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite

●     Weakness, extreme tiredness, dizziness

●     Irregular menstruation

●     Erection problems 

●     Pain in the right upper abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light stools

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Suboxone. Call your doctor if you have severe side effects or the side effects do not go away. You can also report unusual Suboxone side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Suboxone Overdose: When you take Suboxone as directed by your doctor, an overdose is unlikely because buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, and naloxone protects against misuse. However, Suboxone overdose is possible in people who have never taken opioids before, in older individuals, and in people who combine Suboxone with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other drugs. Symptoms of Suboxone overdose include extreme drowsiness or sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slowed or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness (unable to wake up). In case of an overdose, call emergency medical services at 911 immediately. 

While taking Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone), your doctor may give you rescue naloxone to have readily available. Naloxone can reverse the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Your doctor may also prescribe naloxone if you live in a household with young children or with someone who has abused opioids (street drugs or prescription drugs). You should ensure that you and your family members know how to recognize an opioid overdose, use naloxone, and know what to do until emergency personnel arrives.

NOTE: Suboxone is a prescription drug to be used only by you - never share your Suboxone with others or use someone else’s medicine. Selling or giving away your Suboxone or other similar products is against the law.

Source: FDA