Suboxone side effects

Specialties Addictions

Published

Has anyone had any problems with sweating excessively or any face lesions or breakouts with the use of suboxone????

Specializes in Corrections, Addictions, Hemodialysis.

i work in a free standing detoxification unit that specializes in a 3 to 5 day detoxification of clients that are withdrawing from opiates and/or alcohol. we have had patients react to suboxone only if the first dose is given too soon and the patient is not experiencing moderate withdrawal( from heroin or other opiates). we prevent this by using the clinical opiate withdrawal scale (cows) and the client must score a 13 on the scale before the first dose is given. i think that sometimes the client is anticipating the withdrawal and will try to exaggerate the signs and symptoms but if the nurse uses the scale carefully this won't happen. other than this type of reaction our clients have no adverse or untoward effects and generally fell better right away. hope this helps .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Neuro/Oncology floor nursing..
does anyone know if they use it for chronic pain patients. My pain specialist said she did not

think I was a candidate for it, since I'm chronic pain, but I wonder if it would be better than taking other narcs for life?

An anesthesiologist I know who is also certified in pain management said that suboxone can indeed be used for chronic pain. I mean it depends on how severe your pain is, but i can be used for the management of pain. Only certain physicians are certified to administer it. If you are interested in using for your pain I would get second and maybe a third opinion. I would also seek out a doctor(or two) who is certified to administer it and get some information on it for chronic pain.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU,IV Team, Endoscopy, CM, LTC, Homecar.

to Sprinkles85 and ThomasRN thank you both for the info. I will check it out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

In my patient group the SUBOXONE HEADACHE is number 1 CHIEF COMPLAINT.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case Management.

THE CRAPPY TASTE ALSO WARRANTs MENTION!:down:

Should come in a beer flavor!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I've had some patients swear to me that the tablets taste like orange. Ok, if it helps get the medication to where it should be, I'll say it might have an orange flavor :)

Other than that, a few other complaints I hear are insomnia (especially when doses are given too late at night), dizziness and low blood pressure (which may explain the dizziness).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

I am really thankful Suboxone came out, I really hope it doesn't get the same rep as Methodone. This stuff is really changing people's lives in ways I haven't seen yet in the addictionology arena (if they can afford it), as a medication goes.

What makes me angry is how physicians are profiting off of it, I left a clinic (with my two weeks notice like a good boy) when a doctor started charging $250 for Suboxone visits, $400 for initial (self pay patients), then they go pay $7 per pill or foil. I am really a fan of this stuff, but it really breaks my heart you can go see the same doctor, feign back pain well enough, and walk out with a score of XXX drugs(for just $75 regular visit, but when you are there to (Admit you have a problem),begin the steps of recovery its 3-5 times the price. I see this becoming a regular practice in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennesse, N. Carolina and Texas (My stomping grounds), so I know it's probably nationwide!

I hope there is relief for Suboxone patients soon, I know there is a special program for patients (its an act of congress), but I understand only a very small percentage get help through Beckitt Reckinser. Also, since it's a specialty drug (doc's have to go to special training to prescribe it, heavily mandated, and minimum pts allowed on program) I dread that there may not be a generic for it (I have no idea how that works). I believe in this med. This med is saving lives.

Boston Steps off Soap Box.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am really thankful Suboxone came out, I really hope it doesn't get the same rep as Methodone.

That's what's so great about it. It won't ever be like methadone bc it doesn't allow you to get THAT high. So addicted folks are feeding the craving without getting a high that interferes with daily activities. Awesome drug.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes I know people that take it for pain management.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Yes I know people that take it for pain management.

Plain buprenorphine, a.k.a. Subutex (Suboxone but without naloxone) is often used for chronic pain. It works very well. But there is still the potential for tolerance, addiction, abuse, difficulty withdrawing...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This drug had saved my life. Wish I had been educated or known about this year's ago.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
That's what's so great about it. It won't ever be like methadone bc it doesn't allow you to get THAT high. So addicted folks are feeding the craving without getting a high that interferes with daily activities. Awesome drug.

But it is like Methadone in that it is the harm reduction theory which I personally worry makes it the no brainer program for those society has deemed expendable.

I disagree that it doesn't allow people to "get THAT high". I have seen some mighty impressive nods on a higher than indicated dose of Subutex. :( Like any medication we need to be aware of the risks vs benefits.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment