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Real members of MyOpioidRecoveryTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Why does suboxone and subutex make me so sick. Weight loss, MUSCLE MASS LOSS, constant anxiety, nausea, headaches etc.

A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hattiesburg, MS
October 4
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A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member

@A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member those symptoms sound really difficult to live with. Hope the AI response gave you some useful context. It might also be worth bringing these specific symptoms to your prescriber to see if an adjustment makes sense. You might want to connect with @MyOpioidRecoveryTeam users... and @A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member who have all navigated their own challenges with Suboxone and may have some helpful perspective to share.

October 6
A MyOpioidRecoveryTeam Member

Sorry to hear Casey. My first thought is, are you getting a correct dose? Are you out in the sun unprotected a lot? How long on the Subs? That's a serious reaction, I'd bring this to your MAT program staff very soon. I'm just another recovering addict that can hopefully share experience and hope. Feel free to ask anything though.

October 7
myOpioidRecoveryTeam

That sounds really rough, and those feelings are valid — these medications can come with some real side effects that aren't always talked about enough.

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) and Subutex (buprenorphine) work by activating opioid receptors in a controlled way to reduce cravings and withdrawal. But because they're Show Full Answer

That sounds really rough, and those feelings are valid — these medications can come with some real side effects that aren't always talked about enough.

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) and Subutex (buprenorphine) work by activating opioid receptors in a controlled way to reduce cravings and withdrawal. But because they're still acting on those receptors, the body can react in uncomfortable ways.

Common side effects that could explain what's being experienced include:

- Nausea and vomiting — very commonly reported
- Headaches — also frequently reported
- Insomnia — which can contribute to fatigue and muscle loss over time
- Excessive sweating
- Constipation
- Withdrawal-like symptoms — even while on the medication The anxiety, weight loss, and muscle mass loss may be connected to how the body is adjusting — poor sleep, nausea reducing appetite, and general physical stress can all contribute to those changes over time.

It's really important to bring all of these symptoms up with a prescribing doctor. Doses can be adjusted, or an alternative medication like methadone might be worth discussing. As one MyOpioidRecoveryTeam member shared, switching between medications made a big difference for them — what works well is very individual.

Don't try to change or stop the medication on your own though, as stopping abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms.

October 4

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