Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain. For many people, Suboxone is a valuable medication that provides relief and hope for their condition. However, because of Suboxone’s ingredient make-up, it can be a habit-forming drug. Because of this, it is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms after using Suboxone. When do Suboxone withdrawal symptoms occur, and what’s the best way to get through them? Let’s talk about it.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone is a habit-forming substance, and as such, you may have to undergo withdrawal symptoms to quit taking the medication. This may occur in multiple situations. Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed Suboxone as a short-term or long-term medication. For instance, people using Suboxone to treat OUD may only use it as a comfort medication during the early detoxification stage. However, others can be prescribed Suboxone indefinitely to help prevent them from relapsing into opioid abuse. Similarly, chronic pain often uses Suboxone long-term. But if you have to stop taking Suboxone after steady use, expect to face withdrawal symptoms. Generally, the Suboxone withdrawal timeline is short, about 5-7 days, starting as soon as 24 hours after your last dose.
Early Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Early withdrawal symptoms of Suboxone may vary from peak symptoms. These initial symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Cravings
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Chills
- Sleep issues
Peak Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal
During the peak of your withdrawal, generally around days 3-4, and after, you may experience these symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Aches and pains
- Cravings
- Lethargy
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you get treated in a rehab center, they’ll help you manage your pain and discomfort and the progression of your symptoms.
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Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone withdrawal symptoms aren’t enjoyable, but they don’t last forever. How long you experience symptoms depends on a few factors, including how long you took the medication, how much, and your size. Typically, the time range is between one week and one month in the longer cases. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable. You may experience post-acute symptoms that occur later, after the initial recovery.
What Is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is a prescription opioid medication that is prescribed for chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). Notably, it contains buprenorphine and naloxone, a powerful combination. Due to the unique properties of these ingredients, they can provide pain relief and reduce the desire for (and the pleasant effects of) opioids. Suboxone can be administered a few different ways: injected as Buprenex, placed on the skin as the film called Butrans, or swallowed as a tablet. Technically, Suboxone only refers to the tablet form, which comes in 2mg or 8mg, or the under-the-tongue film. The only legal way to source Suboxone is through a prescription at a pharmacy.
Why Does Suboxone Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
Suboxone causes withdrawal symptoms because of its status as an opioid. It is even possible to overdose on Suboxone. As such, your body gets used to opioids and has to adapt when being weaned off.
Finding Professional Help for Suboxone Detox and Withdrawal
If you have to undergo Suboxone detox for any reason, your best way is through a rehab center. At our drug treatment facility, we provide medical detoxification to help individuals safely remove substances from their system. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and challenging when done alone and may lead to relapse. Let us help you detox from Suboxone in our facility.
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
Vogue Recovery Editorial Staff
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