Suboxone is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder. This drug can have side effects that may contribute to changes in weight.
However, Suboxone is not generally associated with weight gain or loss.
People who are receiving treatment for opioid addiction may experience changes in weight due to lifestyle changes, changes in appetite, or other personal factors.
Learn more about the side effects of taking Suboxone for addiction treatment
Side Effects Of Suboxone On Weight
Suboxone is the brand name for a prescription medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It is FDA-approved as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.
While Suboxone isn’t known to have significant effects on weight, it can have side effects capable of contributing to either weight gain or weight loss, including:
- water retention
- bloating
- constipation
- nausea
- insomnia
- fatigue
The use of Suboxone by itself is not generally a cause of weight gain or weight loss during treatment for opioid addiction.
Generally, any changes in weight while taking Suboxone are more likely to occur due to changes in a person’s lifestyle or diet after seeking treatment for opioid addiction.
Effects Of Suboxone On Weight FAQs
Having questions about the side effects of Suboxone, including effects on weight, is common. Find answers to frequently asked questions about Suboxone and weight.
❓ Does Suboxone Cause Weight Loss?
✔️ Weight loss is not a commonly reported side effect of Suboxone. Suboxone may cause nausea, which can affect appetite, but use of the drug itself is not directly tied to weight loss.
❓ Does Suboxone Cause Weight Gain?
✔️ Weight gain is not commonly reported as a direct side effect of Suboxone.
Suboxone may cause constipation, increased retention of water, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue—all of which could potentially affect appetite and cause bloating or minor weight gain.
❓ What Can Cause Weight Gain While Taking Suboxone?
✔️ Side effects of Suboxone can contribute to weight gain while taking the medication. However, it’s more common for weight gain to occur as a result of seeking treatment for drug addiction.
Opioid abuse can cause people to lose or gain weight. During treatment, a person may experience changes in appetite or physical activity that can affect their weight.
Call Today To Find Suboxone Treatment For Opioid Addiction
Suboxone is a leading treatment for opioid addiction, which affects an estimated 1.6 million Americans and can be life-threatening if untreated.
For more information about Suboxone or to find Suboxone treatment near you, call our helpline today.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Buprenorphine
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)—Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR1PDFW090120.pdf - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—Suboxone (buprenorphine and naltrexone)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020733s022lbl.pdf - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Buprenorphine Sublingual and Buccal (opioid dependence)
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605002.html
