Side Effects
Side effects of buprenorphine are few and well tolerated by most patients; they are usually most troublesome during the buprenorphine induction period. According to Reckitt Benckiser, the developers of Suboxone®, the most commonly reported side effects in order of prevalence include:
- Headaches
- Withdrawal syndrome
- Pain
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Sweating
(Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare, 2005)
Independent clinical trials of buprenorphine have reported many of these same side effects. Other possible side effects include the following:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Mood disturbances
(Lintzeris et al., 2001)
Side effects that cause discomfort to the patient should be treated symptomatically or, in the long-term, treated by the following:
- Lowering the dose of buprenorphine
- Giving the patient time to become slightly tolerant to the medication
- Making lifestyle changes (such as increased dietary fiber for constipation)
(Lintzeris et al., 2001)
Lintzeris N, Clark N, Muhleisen P, et al. National Clinical Guidelines and Procedures for the Use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Heroin Dependence. Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Health and Aged Care. Publication approval 2873. 2001.
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare. Facts for Patients: Embrace Treatment, Regain Control. Hull, UK. 2005.
Related Resources:
Common Side Effects of Suboxone®
Description:
Patient Handout These Are The Common Side Effects of Suboxone®
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Description:
This form provides a list of possible symptoms that a patient may have during buprenorphine treatment, possible causes, and recommended management of the symptoms.
Source:
Colleen LaBelle, RN/Boston Medical Center (3 votes)
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Common Side Effects of Suboxone®
