Does Suboxone Cause Weight Gain Or Weight Loss?

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.

These side effects include:

• 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.

Does Suboxone Cause Weight Gain?

Weight gain while taking Suboxone is not common, but it can happen for reasons that aren’t directly related to the medication itself. Some people experience water retention or bloating as a side effect of Suboxone, which can cause temporary weight gain that shows up on the scale. Constipation, another common side effect, can also lead to feeling heavier or bloated without actual fat gain.

More often, weight gain during Suboxone treatment occurs because of positive lifestyle changes that come with recovery. Many people who were actively using opioids experienced severe weight loss due to poor nutrition, skipped meals, and the appetite-suppressing effects of drugs. As they enter treatment and begin eating regular meals again, their body weight naturally returns to a healthier level. This type of weight gain is actually a sign of improved health and healing, not a negative side effect of the medication.

Does Suboxone Cause Weight Loss?

Weight loss while taking Suboxone is also uncommon, but certain side effects can contribute to it in some people. Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects when starting Suboxone, and it can make eating difficult or unpleasant, leading to reduced food intake and potential weight loss. Some people also experience decreased appetite, stomach discomfort, or changes in taste that make food less appealing during the early stages of treatment.

However, these side effects usually improve within the first few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. If weight loss continues or becomes significant, it’s important to talk to your doctor, as it could indicate that your dose needs adjustment or that other health issues need to be addressed. In most cases, maintaining a healthy diet, eating small frequent meals, and staying hydrated can help manage these side effects.

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.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff