How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last?

Suboxone is a combination drug that contains two separate chemicals called buprenorphine & naloxone. It is prescribed to individuals who are either trying to become abstinent from opiates, or those who are receiving treatment for opioid dependence (i.e. pain-pill addiction). The purpose of suboxone is to replace other opiate drugs like heroin, oxycodone (Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), or morphine with buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist which essentially means it has similar effects to opiates like heroin and others. You may wish to stop taking your Suboxone after you have been on it for a long time and wondering what to expect from the withdrawal process. Today we will touch on things like how long Suboxone withdrawal lasts, what Suboxone withdrawal symptoms consist of, and what can be done to ease these symptoms. 

Symptoms of Withdrawal from Suboxone are Similar to that of other Opiate drugs. They include:

-nausea & vomiting

-muscle aches & pains

-stomach cramping & diarrhea

-cold flashes with goosebumps ("cold turkey")

-sleeplessness, nightmares, "restless leg syndrome"

-yawning

-runny nose & watering eyes

-depression, mood swings, irritability, general feelings of being "ill"

-unexplained fatigue & excessive sleeping

However, there are some symptoms that can be conceived as more severe than others. These include: 

-seizures

-extreme drug cravings

-severe depression, suicidal thoughts

-hallucinations & confusion

Now that it has been established what symptoms make up Suboxone withdrawal, how long does Suboxone withdrawal generally last? Most literature indicates the average person will begin to notice mild symptoms after 24 hours of abstinence. These will become progressively more severe over the period of a week or two, gradually easing off over time. 

What Can Be Done to Ease Withdrawal Symptoms?

First & foremost, know that these symptoms WILL eventually go away in time. Withdrawal effects typically peak after 48 to 72 hours and begin tapering after that point. It is also important to note that withdrawal effects are often absent by the 7th day in most people. If you were taking a high dose or on the medication for a very long time you can expect this time frame to increase. 

Suboxone withdrawal can be made more comfortable by drinking lots of water. This will ensure that you remain well hydrated throughout the process and help avoid problems such as constipation or dry mouth. 

-As sleep is very important to your body during this time it can be helpful to take short naps (30 minutes to an hour). 

-Avoid coffee & energy drinks as they will exacerbate feelings of restlessness and anxiety. In addition, caffeine is a diuretic and will make your symptoms worse by causing you to become dehydrated from excess urination. 

-Exercise can help to ease depression and fatigue but it is important not to overdo it in the beginning. Expect cramping of the muscles to worsen as time passes, so try to rest in preparation. 

-If you start to feel sick or nauseous it can be helpful to drink ginger ale or ginger tea, eat dry crackers, keep your mind occupied with simple tasks, and take care of yourself so that you don't have a setback in progress.

-The most important thing is to remember that this will pass eventually and that there is no need to panic or feel frustrated. 

-It is important not to start taking your medication again after stopping, even if you want to! These effects can become more pronounced and lead to serious consequences such as seizures and overdose. Always speak to your doctor before starting or stopping any medication. 

There are many different methods used in easing withdrawal symptoms from opiate drugs like heroin or oxycodone, however, Suboxone withdrawal symptoms are usually not as severe. If you stay well hydrated and get plenty of rest, keep your mind occupied with simple tasks, and avoid caffeine then these symptoms will be manageable. If you would like to learn more about the process, start a conversation with your doctor today about beginning the tapering process. You can contact SuboxoneDoctor.com  by phone or message us online to learn more about Suboxone and getting on the road to recovery.