Suboxone Withdrawal: Symptoms and How to Cope
In This Article
Suboxone can be an effective tool if you’re recovering from an opioid addiction. However, if you’re considering going off it, you might be worried about withdrawal symptoms.
There are ways to manage withdrawal symptoms properly so you can stop Suboxone safely. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect when you stop taking Suboxone and how to cope in a way that feels supportive and informative.
What are Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. While it can help in addiction recovery, discontinuing Suboxone use can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal can cause both physical and emotional discomfort. Common physical symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches and body pains
- Sweating and chills
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Fever
Common emotional symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability and mood swings
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Drug cravings
- Difficulty concentrating
What is the General Timeline of Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms?
To have a clear understanding of what to expect when you stop taking Suboxone, here’s an approximate timeline of withdrawal symptoms.
The timeline may not be accurate, and not all symptoms may appear. However, this information may still be useful when you decide to discontinue Suboxone.
Early Symptoms (Within the First 24 to 48 Hours)
Early symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal typically begin within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last dose. The body starts to react to the absence of the drug, leading to anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, and insomnia.
Peak Symptoms (2 to 5 Days After Last Dose)
The peak of withdrawal symptoms usually occurs 2 to 5 days after the last dose.
During this period, physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills are at their worst. Psychological symptoms like anxiety and irritability also intensify.
Long-term Symptoms (Lasting Weeks to Months)
Long-term symptoms can persist for weeks to months after the last dose of Suboxone. These often include depression, cravings, and difficulty concentrating.
While the intensity of physical symptoms decreases, psychological symptoms can linger, requiring ongoing support and management.
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When Should You Seek Help?
Some withdrawal symptoms are normal, but others require immediate medical attention. When you notice any of the following, seek professional medical support immediately:
- Severe dehydration: Look out for extreme thirst, dark urine, dizziness, and confusion, which can be signs of dangerous dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
- Mental health crises: Don’t hesitate to seek help if you experience severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
- Relapse risks: Intense cravings or thoughts of using again are signs you need additional support.
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How to Cope with Suboxone Withdrawal
There are tried and tested ways to cope with suboxone withdrawal. Let’s discuss the different ways you can stop this medication safely and with minimal to no discomfort.
Professional Medical Support
Going through Suboxone withdrawal without medical support can be risky. Symptoms can be unpredictable, and having a doctor or healthcare team monitor you can make a big difference.
A healthcare team can watch for complications and provide immediate care if needed. They can prescribe medications to help ease specific symptoms like anxiety, nausea, or trouble sleeping.
Your team can also create a tapering schedule that gradually reduces your Suboxone dose, which can significantly lessen withdrawal symptoms.
Detox Programs for Comprehensive Support
Detox programs offer a safe and structured environment for withdrawal. They provide:
- Medical supervision: A healthcare team will monitor you 24/7 to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Precision tapering: They will slowly reduce your Suboxone dose based on your individual needs.
- Comfort measures: They can provide medications and other support to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Support groups and therapy: These programs often offer counseling and support groups to help you stay motivated during recovery.
Medications to Help Manage Symptoms
There are some medications that doctors may prescribe to manage specific withdrawal symptoms. One of the most common is Clonidine. This medication helps ease anxiety and trouble sleeping (insomnia).
Your healthcare provider may also give anti-nausea medications. They can relieve nausea and vomiting, which are common during withdrawal.
Simultaneously, it might also be beneficial to replace opioid analgesics with over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage muscle aches and pains.
Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips
In addition to medical support, there are things you can do at home to feel better during withdrawal. Here are some of our tips:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids and electrolyte beverages to replace fluids lost through sweating and diarrhea.
- Eat healthy foods: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help your body recover and maintain energy.
- Light exercise: Gentle exercise can improve mood and reduce stress, making withdrawal more manageable.
- Relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety.
- Get enough rest: Establish a consistent sleep schedule to support your body’s healing process.
- Use hot and cold therapy: Alternating between hot showers and cool compresses can help with muscle aches and temperature regulation.
Long-Term Support Options After Suboxone
Maintaining long-term recovery after Suboxone requires ongoing support and lifestyle changes. Therapy provides a safe space to explore personal struggles that may have led to opioid use.
Common therapy approaches include CBT, motivational interviewing, and DBT. Group therapy can also connect you with others who understand what you’re going through.
Sharing experiences and offering support creates a sense of community, vital for long-term success:
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Free meetings offer peer support in a 12-step program. While NA promotes abstinence, many people in medication-assisted treatment still benefit from the community.
- Online support groups: Provide 24/7 access to connect with others from home.
Professional Resources
Here are resources to help:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Local emergency services: Call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
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- Kumar, R., et al., “Buprenorphine.” StatPearls Publishing, 2024.
- “Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline.” RecoveryTeam.
- “Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings.” World Health Organization, 2009.
- “Importance of Counseling and Therapy in Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Addiction.” National Addiction Specialists.
- “Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US), 2005.
