Buprenorphine Withdrawal

Once an individual becomes chemically dependent on buprenorphine, ceasing it suddenly perpetuates a withdrawal. As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine leads to the same types of withdrawal symptoms that most other opiates produce upon cessation. These withdrawal symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the duration of use, daily dose and frequency, and the preferred mode of administration.

During a withdrawal, the body undergoes a lot of pressure and work. Hence, an individual may expect to experience certain physical and psychological symptoms as they undergo a buprenorphine detox. In some people, certain co-occurring mental health issues may also emerge side by side. Some of the most common Belbuca withdrawal symptoms that primarily affect physical health include:

Hot or Cold Flashes

Individuals undergoing Subutex withdrawal may experience a sudden and intense coldness or heat all over the body.

Skin Abnormalities

A lot of people undergoing buprenorphine detox complain of feeling physically uncomfortable. Some feel like multiple bugs crawling all over their bodies, while others experience goosebumps from time to time.

Tiredness

One of the most common physical buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms is excessive fatigue that interferes with daily life activities.

Muscle Discomfort

This symptom manifests in the form of cramps and pain in different parts of the body.

Increased Cravings

Most people experience both mental and physical cravings for buprenorphine, especially during the initial few days of detox.

Excessive Sweating

Due to the dehydrating properties of buprenorphine, a lot of people experience sweating during withdrawal. This excessive sweating is also an attempt by the body to remove as much buprenorphine as possible from the system.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are the commonest buprenorphine withdrawal symptoms that can make detox unpleasant for many.

Appetite Loss

Due to the multiple side effects of buprenorphine withdrawal, many people find it difficult to eat or drink adequately throughout the detox.

Diarrhea

Loose stools not only make detox uncomfortable but also increases the risk of acquiring dehydration.

Sleep-Related Troubles

As the body is detoxing itself from buprenorphine, many users find it difficult to sleep through the night. This side effect further adds to other issues that an individual faces simultaneously.

Some common psychological symptoms of buprenorphine withdrawal include the following:

Irritability or Moodiness

Since the brain no longer has an excess of dopamine to keep the mood pleasant, an individual may feel irritable or moody, especially during the initial stages of Subutex withdrawal.

Depression & Suicidality

As the mind attempts to readjust itself to the lack of buprenorphine, many people experience depressive symptoms and even suicidal tendencies.

Anxiety

Feeling anxious when one is learning to live without using buprenorphine every day is completely normal. This symptom typically subsides on its own a few days into detox from Subutex.

Miscellaneous Co-occurring Disorders

In addition to anxiety and depression, withdrawal may cause other underlying mental health issues to erupt and rise to the surface. For example, someone using buprenorphine to numb their traumatic past experiences and memories may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder as soon as they begin to detox. Similarly, many other people who are silently suffering from other co-existing mental disorders may experience a surge in the intensity of these symptoms.