Suboxone is a brand named medication that is comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Suboxone in 2002 exclusively for the treatment of opioid dependence and opioid addiction, and according to American Addiction Centers, is “an induction agent to stabilize someone in withdrawal during the medical detoxification process as well as for maintenance treatment to promote recovery from opioid use disorder.” Suboxone is an opioid partial agonist that acts in the central nervous system. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist which means it works by partially binding to one’s opioid receptors and expelling any existing opioids and prohibiting any others from attaching. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and works by counteracting the effects of opioids on one’s brain and nervous system. United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Suboxone as a Schedule III Controlled Substance, which is defined as “drugs, substances, or chemicals with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” Suboxone produces minimal opioid effects which enable it to significantly reduce adverse withdrawal symptoms and decrease drug cravings.
Side Effects
As is true with any medication, there are possible side effects that can develop when taking Suboxone. Suboxone.com provides the following list of potential side effects that can transpire when taking the medication:
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Sleep disturbances
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Some of the severe side effects of Suboxone can include overdose, adrenal insufficiency, respiratory distress, dependence, and more. The combination, severity, and duration of the side effects experienced will differ from person to person. The American Psychological Association explains that “personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.” A personality change is when there is a change in how someone thinks, acts, or feels. The Suboxone prescribing/labeling information does not indicate any adverse personality changes when taken as directed for the management of opioid use disorder. Further, the FDA published results from large-scale clinical trials which reported that Suboxone does not lead to personality changes or mood swings.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At Upwell Advisors, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
