Buprenorphine is a prescription medication for opioid dependence and opioid withdrawal that can make a person feel drowsy or sleepy.
Drowsiness after taking buprenorphine comes from its depressant effect on the central nervous system, which plays a central role in regulating physical movement and sensations.
Learn more about the side effects of using buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction
Sedating Effects Of Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can have some sedating effects when taken.
Common depressant effects of buprenorphine include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- sleepiness
- weakness
- decreased heart rate
- slower breathing
- decreased blood pressure
- slow reaction times
Side effects of dizziness, headache, nausea, and anxiety can also occur while taking buprenorphine. Not everyone who takes buprenorphine will experience these side effects.
What To Know About Buprenorphine And Drowsiness
After taking buprenorphine, it is recommended that a person avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
People who experience drowsiness after taking buprenorphine may be at higher risk for accidental falls, injuries, or motor vehicle accidents, due to decreased awareness and slower reaction time.
Extreme drowsiness after taking buprenorphine can also be a sign of overdose, if accompanied by additional overdose symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or unresponsiveness.
How Long Does Buprenorphine Make You Drowsy?
The effects of buprenorphine can last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. This may or may not include drowsiness, a common side effect of buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Subutex.
People who regularly feel very drowsy after taking buprenorphine may consider talking to their doctor about how they can combat chronic drowsiness while taking this medication.
Call Today To Find Buprenorphine Treatment
If you’re looking for buprenorphine treatment for yourself or a loved one, we can help you find opioid addiction treatment options near you.
Call our helpline today to learn more about buprenorphine, its side effects, and where you can find buprenorphine treatment.
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- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—SUBUTEX (buprenorphine sublingual tablets)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020732s018lbl.pdf - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—BUTRANS (buprenorphine) label
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021306s015s019lbl.pdf - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Buprenorphine Sublingual and Buccal (opioid dependence)
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605002.html - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Buprenorphine
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
