What Are The Side Effects Of A Butrans Patch?

Butrans patches can cause a range of physical, emotional, and mental effects. Not everyone will experience them, but a person using Butrans will likely have at least a few side effects.

The medication is a very strong, long-acting opioid and is only meant to treat severe chronic pain.

There are risks and potentially serious side effects that can occur when using Butrans, so only those with severe pain must use the narcotic.

Learn more about using Butrans for opioid addiction

Physical Side Effects Of A Butrans Patch

Butrans patches can cause multiple short- and long-term side effects. Some of these are more serious and will need further medical assistance.

Short-Term Side Effects Of A Butrans Patch

A Butrans transdermal patch may cause a few unwanted, short-term side effects.

Most of these effects do not need medical attention and will likely go away as the body adjusts to the medication and doses are adjusted.

Common side effects that do not require medical attention:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• itchiness or skin rash at the site of application
• change in taste, or loss of taste

Less common and rare side effects that do not need medical attention:

• sour stomach
• stomach pain
• back pain
• neck pain
• muscle spasms
• heartburn
• indigestion
• tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• swollen joints
• blurred vision
• double vision
• dry eyes or skin
• passing gas
• pressure in the stomach
• sleepiness
• slurred speech

These common side effects are unpleasant but should last only a short time. If they persist, get more severe with time, or are troublesome, contact your doctor for assistance.

More serious side effects that require medical attention:

• swollen face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• rapid weight gain or weight loss
• swollen or red sores at the site of application
• chest pain
• chills
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• ear congestion
• fever
• sweating
• joint pain
• shivering
• nausea
• fainting
• seizure
• difficulty waking up
• loss of voice
• runny nose
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• decreased urination

Not all of these side effects are common, but if they do develop, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Long-Term Side Effects Of A Butrans Patch

The long-term side effects of using Butrans patches may be more serious and will require medical attention.

In some cases, your doctor may direct you to taper off the medicine or stop it right away and switch to something else to preserve your health.

Do not suddenly cease using Butrans patches without the medical guidance of your doctor. Stopping Butrans suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Liver Disease From A Butrans Patch

It is possible to develop a liver disease while using Butrans, including hepatitis B or C.

Check for any of the following signs of liver disease:

• dark urine
• feeling tired or weak
• loss of appetite
• light-colored stool
• upper right stomach pain
• jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
• severe stomach/abdominal pain

If any of the above signs present themselves while using Butrans, get medical help right away.

Emotional Side Effects Of A Butrans Patch

While Butrans can cause multiple physical side effects, it’s often the emotional side effects that can feel the most difficult to deal with.

When using Butrans, you may experience some of the following:

• nervousness
• decreased interest in sex
• lack of feeling or emotion
• sense of detachment from self or body
• uncaring

The above side effects can take a long-lasting emotional toll on the mind and body. Talk with your doctor if these problems do not subside and seek their help on determining next steps.

Mental Side Effects Of A Butrans Patch

Butrans can affect mental health by causing mental illnesses or other persistent mental issues.

When using Butrans, you may experience:

• confusion
• anxiety
• depression
• being forgetful
• nightmares
• changes in patterns of speech, or trouble speaking

You might consider seeking therapy to cope with these effects. For those coming off opioid drugs, you may also consider exploring the options in addiction counseling.

Get Butrans Treatment For Opioid Addiction

If you or someone you love want to stop using opioids but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Our representatives are ready to assist you in locating an addiction recovery center equipped with Butrans treatment so you can start feeling better and overcoming opioid addiction.

Call our helpline today to learn more about how Butrans can help.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff