Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Withdrawal Effects

What Is Buprenorphine/Naltrexone?

Buprenorphine/Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid used for chronic pain management or to help treat opioid addiction²https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/Buprenorphine/Naltrexone. Buprenorphine/Naltrexone changes the way your brain communicates with pain receptors in the body. If you are feeling extreme pain, taking Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can block the pain neurotransmitters from functioning to give you temporary relief.Those suffering from a substance abuse disorder may take Buprenorphine/Naltrexone illegally. They usually inject the drug, putting themselves at risk for HIV or Hepatitis C if they have not disinfected the needles. Plus, many people start taking it for pain and then become addicts.Doctors also prescribe Buprenorphine/Naltrexone for substance abuse users addicted to cocaine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. In this context, Buprenorphine/Naltrexone blocks the high of those drugs and helps reduce cravings. Buprenorphine/Naltrexone is frequently used to stabilize users as they attempt to battle substance abuse disorder — something referred to as replacement therapy.Buprenorphine/Naltrexone is safer than some other narcotics and is often given to help minimize addiction problems. But it is still a highly addictive substance. Most patients will be under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist while they take Buprenorphine/Naltrexone for addiction to prevent any other problems. Therefore, Buprenorphine/Naltrexone use must have routine management from healthcare professionals³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310658/#part6.s34.

What Are the Side Effects of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone?

Taking Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can have several physical and mental side effects that vary by person and the amount the user is taking. Frequent use of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can lead to many unpleasant and harmful side effects. Here are just some side effects you may experience when taking Buprenorphine/Naltrexone:

• Constipation
• Light-headedness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Impaired cognitive function
• Impaired balance
• Difficulty understanding or learning
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Dilated pupils
• Weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Tachycardia

You may also experience mental side effects such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Uncontrollable mood swings

Besides these common side effects, you are also at risk for overdose. Buprenorphine/Naltrexone is one of the leading causes of overdose deaths, and it outranks most other illicit drugs because it is so powerful. Not all overdoses will be fatal, but they can also cause lifelong disabilities and impairments.Most side effects of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone use will disappear shortly after you consume the drug. The high and the side effects can be short-lived, but long-term side effects are also possible. Frequent abuse of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can cause permanent damage to the neurotransmitters in the brain. This means certain signals cannot communicate with the brain, potentially causing delayed reactions and cognitive difficulties.Abuse of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can also cause life-threatening side effects. For example, you can develop heart problems and seriously damage other vital organs. Sometimes, the effects are irreversible, but vital organ damage can cause severe health problems or even death.

What Happens During Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Withdrawal?

Tolerance to Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can develop quickly, and once the user develops an addiction, they find it difficult to break free from the cycle of drug use. Buprenorphine/Naltrexone can take over your brain and make cravings unbearable. At that point, your body quickly creates a dependency and relies on you to continue using Buprenorphine/Naltrexone to function.A substance abuse disorder patient cutting off the supply of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone is jarring for the body. The body reacts instantly. Your body may feel as though it cannot perform normal functions without its daily dose of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone. Of course, this is only the physical reaction to Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal that will pass once detox is complete.The body panics when a patient goes through Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal, needing to readjust and learn how to function without this medication. This reaction shows that the Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal process is safest to do under the supervision of professionals. You can turn to inpatient or outpatient rehab programs to help you detox safely from Buprenorphine/Naltrexone.Your body will fight with every last ounce of strength to signal to you that it needs another fix to keep functioning. This is not the case, but withdrawal can certainly feel that way. Your goal during withdrawal is to completely detoxify your body from Buprenorphine/Naltrexone so you no longer feel these constant urges or cravings to use.

How to Manage Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Side Effects of Withdrawal

You can expect several common symptoms of Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal. Withdrawal management can help⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/#part4.s2. If you or a loved one are trying to get clean, you should prepare to deal with these symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Uncontrollable tremors
• Heart palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Runny nose
• Sleep disturbances
• Restlessness
• Muscle aches
• Pains
• Diarrhea
• Cramping

To manage your Buprenorphine/Naltrexone side effects from withdrawal, speak with your doctor or a rehab center professional first. They may prescribe you medications like buprenorphine, naloxone, or clonidine. These medications can help prevent or treat Buprenorphine/Naltrexone side effects from withdrawal.

How Long Do Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Side Effects Last During Withdrawal?

Buprenorphine/Naltrexone side effects of withdrawal are expected and should be temporary. Most symptoms will improve in the first 30 hours. However, Buprenorphine/Naltrexone side effects from withdrawal usually last two to three weeks. In extreme cases, they can last three to six months.These side effects can linger until the bloodstream is completely free of the drug. The first few days will be the toughest to overcome. Once you complete the first few weeks of detox, you should seek inpatient or outpatient rehab to help you stay sober.Buprenorphine/Naltrexone side effects from withdrawal can feel scary, but most symptoms will resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms linger or worsen, go to your local ER. Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal treatment under the supervision of a medical professional is the best way to prevent serious complications.Reach out to your local doctor or a rehab center like Windward Way Recovery to find out what services are available to you. Medical supervision and a supportive circle of family or friends can help Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal go more smoothly.

Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Withdrawal Timeline

There are different stages to Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal. This is a brief timeline of the events you go through with Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal:After 24 hours: It will take at least 24 hours for the body to rid itself of most of the Buprenorphine/Naltrexone in your system. After this point, you may feel itchy and feverish, or you may experience chills, discomfort, and restlessness.From 48 hours to 10 days: You will feel the brunt of withdrawal, and your body will undergo various physical and emotional changes. You may experience constant sweating, anxiety, irritability, paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia, depression, and intense cravings.Week 2: There may be very little Buprenorphine/Naltrexone left in your bloodstream, but it’s enough to keep your body in panic mode. Physical symptoms may improve during this time frame, but mental symptoms can worsen. At this stage, many users say they experience increased depression and sadness.Week 3 onward: Your body is completely detoxed, but your mind is still working on it. This is a great time to begin a drug rehabilitation therapy program to keep you on the right track and ensure you do not relapse. The lingering emotional and mental symptoms you feel now may last several more weeks. You should seek therapy to help you deal with these difficulties and resolve the issues safely.The road to sobriety depends on adequate therapy. Once your body is finally over the hump of withdrawal, you need to care for your mind, body, and soul to ensure you do not relapse. Many types of drug rehab programs at Windward Way Recovery can help you stay sober.

How Do I Quit Buprenorphine/Naltrexone?

Buprenorphine/Naltrexone is not an easy drug to quit. You may have tried to quit the habit several times already, but being unsuccessful in the past should not deter you from trying again. Substance abuse disorder can take charge of your mind and body, and the habit is difficult to cut. That is why millions of Americans fight this battle every day⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448203/.If you want to quit Buprenorphine/Naltrexone, you need to do it safely. The first step is to contact a medical professional or rehab center, since you will need supervision throughout the first couple of weeks of detox. Professionals can ensure you are safe, and they know when to seek medical attention.Another step toward success is forming a support group. Whether from friends or family, you will need some support around you in the months after detox to ensure you remain sober. If you cannot rely on anyone you know, you can find a group of supportive individuals in group therapy.Studies show that support during withdrawal and recovery leads to much more successful results. You will be less likely to use again if you have support. You can also make some changes to your daily routine to increase your odds of success.If you are trying to quit Buprenorphine/Naltrexone, try to make small changes to your daily life after detox. For example, adding some physical activity into your life can keep you focused and help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Eating a healthy diet is also important for staying sober.Next, create a meal plan for yourself that consists of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and nutrients. Avoid unhealthy or processed foods, and stay hydrated, too. Staying hydrated can help you manage your withdrawal side effects better.Getting enough sleep is also crucial because withdrawal can cause sleep disturbances for some time. Setting a regular bedtime can help you deal with those disturbances and get proper rest. Sleeping well, eating right, staying hydrated, and exercising are extremely helpful tools in facing withdrawal and staying sober long term.

How Can I Support a Loved One Facing Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Withdrawal?

If you are helping a loved one face Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal, do your best to inform yourself. Start by understanding more about opioid addiction. This can help you understand the situation your loved one faces and why it is so difficult for them to quit the habit alone. Contact Windward Way Recovery today to learn everything you need to know about helping someone experiencing Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal. You may need to give them medication, watch for serious complications, and help them complete regular tasks.Helping a loved one through Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal requires patience, love, and care. You must forgive the person for their mistakes while high, and remember that this is not the time to hold them accountable. Helping to build a loving, calm, and safe space for them to detox is key to their success. If you are unsure how to do that, you can seek individual therapy to find out how to deal with everything.While supporting a loved one through Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal is not easy, your love and support today can help them be the person they want to be tomorrow. You should also keep the numbers of local ERs and doctors on hand. If your loved one is experiencing worsening symptoms or you fear they may be dehydrated, seek help.Don’t wait if your loved one is facing suicidal thoughts or extreme depression throughout the withdrawal period. Instead, call a helpline or emergency services right away, because minutes can make all the difference in saving someone’s life. With an open heart and mind, you can help your loved one as they work to kick this addiction.

How to Get Help With Buprenorphine/Naltrexone Withdrawal

Getting help for Buprenorphine/Naltrexone withdrawal can increase your odds of getting sober safely and staying sober. If you are considering help for you or someone you love one, call Windward Way Recovery today. We can help you complete detox safely. We can also help you find the right therapy programs to stay sober long term.We offer several types of therapies, including group, individual, art, nature, and more. Each therapy works in different ways, and different programs work for different people. In most cases, a combination of several types of therapy is most effective.Reach out to us today to learn more about our therapy programs and find the one that is right for you. We also offer inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, and our goal is to help you feel safe in your rehab environment. You are free to choose the type of program you feel most comfortable with.Remember, there is no shame in Buprenorphine/Naltrexone addiction. It is a terrible disease that can take hold of anyone. If you are suffering from substance abuse disorder or are looking for a way to deal with Buprenorphine/Naltrexone side effects from withdrawal, call today. Finding your path to recovery is a unique journey, but you will find your way with the proper support.Drug rehab therapy programs are essential. Once you battle withdrawal, you can count on Windward Way Recovery to offer you treatment programs that help. With therapy treatment and professional support, you can do this. You are not alone.