Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox

Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Although Suboxone is an effective recovery tool, it can be addictive if misused. Those who abuse Suboxone and then try to quit “cold turkey” will experience withdrawal symptoms. If you’re concerned about your Suboxone use, medically supervised detoxification can safely monitor you during withdrawal. By understanding the symptoms and timeline of Suboxone withdrawal, you can be better prepared for what’s ahead.

What Are the Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal?

Suboxone withdrawal is similar to that of other opioids like heroin or oxycodone. The intensity and duration of Suboxone withdrawal varies from person to person. Usually, symptoms begin within 24 hours after the last dose. Physical symptoms can last for up to 10 days before gradually decreasing:

Difficulty concentrating
Fever or chills
Sweating
Lethargy
Muscle aches and pains
Insomnia
Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting

Psychological withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a month or longer and may include:

Irritability
Cravings
Anxiety
Restlessness
Depression

Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline

While the timeline varies from person to person, there are general phases to expect when undergoing withdrawal. Symptoms associated with Suboxone withdrawal generally last longer than other opioids because it is long-acting. They may also take a few days to appear.

Day 1 to 3 – This is the most intense stage, and you may develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and a runny nose. Your blood pressure and heart rate may increase, and cravings set in.
Day 4 to 7 – At this point, your physical symptoms may get better, but your psychological symptoms will increase. These symptoms include anxiety, depression, and restlessness. Insomnia is also common, and cravings may become more intense.
Day 7 to 14 – Your symptoms should start becoming more manageable. You may still experience muscle and body aches, though less severe. Cravings, anxiety, and insomnia may still be of concern, and depression could continue through this period.
Day 14 to 28 – The worst of the withdrawal symptoms should be behind you, although some people still struggle with insomnia or depression at this stage. Because cravings may intensify, relapse often occurs during this timeframe. A strong support system will help you through this phase.

After the first month, you may still deal with intermittent cravings. At this point, it’s vital to have a strong relapse prevention plan in place. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia can continue past the first month of withdrawal. In these cases, it is difficult to know if these are symptomatic of withdrawal or an underlying condition that was present before Suboxone use.

Why Does Suboxone Withdrawal Happen?

Suboxone is useful for withdrawal management in early recovery and longer-term opioid addiction treatment. Using Suboxone while participating in therapy can provide a “whole-patient” approach to treatment, which addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance use.

Physical dependence occurs when you regularly use drugs, alcohol, or even prescribed medications. When this happens, your body naturally adapts to its presence in your body and eventually begins needing it to feel and function normally. When you quit using that substance (in this case, Suboxone), your dopamine levels will decrease, and your body will go through withdrawal. Anyone who becomes physically dependent on a substance is likely to experience some withdrawal symptoms, even if they are not addicted.

Can You Recover From Opioid Addiction Without Using Medications?

Overcoming addiction takes more than willpower, and for many people, medication can be an effective part of the solution. Medications that exist to treat opioid use disorder include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine and naltrexone. This medication is intended to be taken temporarily when treating addiction.

However, some people can become addicted to Suboxone, which means they must try a new path toward recovery without using medications. Fortunately, it is still possible to overcome opioid addiction without medication. In these situations, seeking the assistance of trained professionals in a treatment program is important for your success.

What Options Are There for Detox?

While some attempt detox at home, it is much more comfortable (and safer) to undergo the process while under medical supervision. If you have been taking Suboxone illicitly, it’s important to detox with the help of a professional addiction program. Detoxing on your own makes quitting more difficult.

Many people who enroll in treatment programs begin their journey with detox. The professionals supporting you are trained and experienced in helping people through this challenging part of recovery.

Medically Supervised Detox

Medical detox programs are a reliable and effective option for tapering Suboxone and managing withdrawal symptoms. During detox, you receive around-the-clock monitoring in a safe, controlled environment. A team of trained medical professionals will ensure your comfort and safety during this process, giving you the confidence and security you need during this challenging time.

Prescription Medications Used to Treat Suboxone Withdrawal

There are several medications used in detox to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Lucemyra (lofexidine hydrochloride) is a medication approved by the FDA to treat opioid withdrawal. This drug works by reducing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in withdrawal symptoms. Lucemyra does not contain an opioid agonist so that treatment can begin right away. It’s approved to treat adults for two weeks after last use.

Additional useful medications during detox include:

Mood stabilizers – Anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medications.
Sleep aids – To treat insomnia and other sleep issues.
Gastrointestinal medication – For nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Nonsteroidal analgesics – For joint, back, and muscular pain.

Additionally, you may receive medications to use “off-label” to minimize withdrawal symptoms, such as clonidine, to regulate functions of the central nervous system.

Treatments for Suboxone Addiction

If you are struggling with Suboxone withdrawal, it could be a sign that you have an addiction to Suboxone or a substance use disorder (SUD). In this case, you may need ongoing treatment to fully recover. When you enroll in a Suboxone addiction treatment program, you will work with educated and experienced substance abuse counselors in a supportive and compassionate environment.

During your time in the program, your treatment team will work with you to identify the issues contributing to your substance abuse. You will participate in a comprehensive treatment plan designed to meet your needs and receive long-term support to guide you. Call Vogue Recovery Center if you are struggling with Suboxone addiction. We can help you start your journey toward recovery.