Subutex Side Effects: What To Look Out For

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on July 14, 2021

Subutex is a medication prescribed for the treatment of opioid dependency and addiction. Taking Subutex may result in side effects. Serious side effects, while rare, can occur and may be important to be aware of if you or a loved one is taking Subutex.

What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Subutex?

Subutex is a prescription medication for opioid use disorder. It is safe and effective when taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Side effects can occur while taking this drug. If you or a loved one is taking Subutex, knowing these side effects, including rare but serious side effects, may be useful.

Learn more about taking Subutex for opioid withdrawal

What Are The Side Effects Of Subutex?

Subutex is known for its ability to treat opioid dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Additional side effects, however, may occur.

Short-term side effects of Subutex might include:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • drowsiness and fatigue
  • dry mouth
  • stomach pain
  • muscle aches
  • sweating
  • fever
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dilated pupils

Not everyone who takes Subutex experiences these side effects.

Side effects can be a sign of an adverse reaction to Subutex, drug allergy, drug misuse, or indicate a need for a dose adjustment.

Serious Side Effects Of Subutex

Adverse reactions to Subutex can occur. Serious side effects are uncommon but can be important to be aware of if someone you know is taking Subutex.

Signs of an adverse reaction can include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • hives or rash
  • severe itching
  • swelling
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • slowed breathing
  • confusion
  • slurred speech
  • unusual bruising
  • extreme sleepiness
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • dark-colored urine
  • light-colored stools

Serious side effects after taking Subutex may be a sign of a Subutex allergy, drug misuse, or an unsuitable dosage.

If someone you know is experiencing serious side effects after taking Subutex, contact their doctor for further guidance.

Long-Term Side Effects Of Subutex

Taking a maintenance medication like Subutex for a long period of time can lead to physical and psychological effects in some people. It can also increase some health risks.

Long-term side effects of Subutex might include:

Dependence

Subutex is habit-forming. People who take Subutex for a long time may develop physical dependence. This is not the same as addiction, but it can cause withdrawal and may require detox.

Sleep Troubles

Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a commonly reported side effect of buprenorphine treatment. Medical or behavioral treatment can help with this.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Taking Subutex while pregnant may result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).

Read more about newborn withdrawal from Subutex

Sexual Dysfunction

Subutex can have effects on the function of sexual organs, libido, and pleasure during sex. Erectile dysfunction and irregular menstruation can occur.

Read more about erectile dysfunction from taking Subutex

Subutex Side Effects FAQs

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about potential side effects of Subutex.

❓ How Long Do Subutex Side Effects Last?

✔️ Effects of Subutex last between 24 to 72 hours on average, depending on the dosage, tolerance, and frequency of use.

Not all side effects may last this long. Some may subside sooner.

❓ Does Subutex Cause Euphoria?

✔️ Subutex does not cause a rush of euphoria when taken as directed, due to its weaker effects. This makes it different from most other opioids and reduces its risk for drug misuse.

❓ Does Subutex Cause Anxiety?

✔️ Anxiety can occur while taking Subutex but this is not a common side effect of the drug itself. A person may feel anxious during opioid withdrawal, or in cases of drug misuse.

Read more about Subutex and anxiety

❓ Does Subutex Affect Weight?

✔️ Subutex is not known to directly cause changes in weight. Weight gain while taking Subutex may occur as a result of constipation, water retention, changes in appetite, or fatigue.

Read more about how Subutex affects weight

❓ Does Subutex Have Effects On Blood Pressure?

✔️ Low blood pressure can be a sign of adrenal insufficiency, a serious side effect of Subutex that can occur with chronic use.

Read more about how Subutex lowers blood pressure

❓ Does Subutex Help With Depression?

✔️ Some research suggests that Subutex may be helpful for people with opioid dependency who have treatment-resistant depression.

❓ Is Subutex Safe During Pregnancy?

✔️ Buprenorphine is prescribed for opioid dependency during pregnancy and while a person is breastfeeding.

While this isn’t risk-free, taking Subutex while pregnant is considered a safe alternative to the use of opioids like heroin, and can reduce the risk of relapse to opioid use while pregnant.

Find Subutex Treatment For Addiction Today

Millions of people in the United States report misusing opioids each year. Over one-and-a-half million have an opioid use disorder.

If you or a loved one is looking for opioid addiction treatment, we can help. Call us today to find a rehab center that offers Subutex treatment for opioid abuse near you.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on July 14, 2021
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