Short-Term Side Effects

Short term side effects may include mild dizziness, tingling, numbness, constipation, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness or other sleep related problems. Note that not all individuals will feel these symptoms and the severity will also vary. Some may experience just one or two mild symptoms and then it disappears after a while, but for others the effects linger longer.

Long-Term Side Effects

Just like other narcotic medicines, shallow breathing may be experienced, and if long term use results in difficulty breathing, this could be fatal, so a doctor has to be contacted immediately. Other serious long term side effects include swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or face as well as problems thinking, slurred speech, blurred vision, and losing coordination.

Interactions

Taking certain drugs and medications can make you feel sleepy or even produce the side effects stated above. Among those medications that can cause adverse interaction are the following.

• Seizure medication such as primidone, phenytoin, Phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, fosphenytoin and carbamazepine
• Sedatives such as triazolam, temazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam and others
• AIDS and HIV medication including saquinavir, nevirapine, indinavir and delavirdine
• Telaprevir and other hepatitis medications
• Quinidine and other blood pressure medication
• Itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and other antifungal medication

How It Works

Opioids work by linking up to the mu receptors, thereby releasing dopamine which produces feelings of pleasure. When the opioids detach from the receptors, those pleasant feelings disappear and the cravings and withdrawal symptoms manifest. It is at this point that the medication can help because its main ingredient, buprenorphine, attaches itself to those opioid receptors and eliminates the cravings and symptoms. Buprenorphine, when taken properly, will keep opioids off the receptors, and because the effect is long lasting, you’ll experience the benefits for an extended period.

Generic Alternatives

Suboxone is available under the generic name of buprenorphine/naloxone.