Suboxone is a medication that is prescribed to treat opiate addiction. Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a medication containing opioids and naloxone is a substance that blocks the effects of opioid medication (e.g., pain relief and feelings of well-being) that often lead individuals to seek out opioids after recovery. However, does Suboxone cause or affect mood swings? Suboxone has several side effects and may cause issues with mental health and mood swings.
Suboxone as a Treatment
This medication is prescribed in several different types of situations. Doctors may prescribe Suboxone in order to aid the process of withdrawal and detoxification. Doctors also prescribe Suboxone as a long term maintenance medication for opiate addiction. Individuals who meet certain criteria may be able to continue to take Suboxone for an extended period of time in order to control cravings and allow their brain to heal and begin to block the cravings for opioid use. Suboxone has also been prescribed to individuals who suffer from chronic pain as an alternative to traditional narcotic pain relievers.
There are several pros and cons related to Suboxone use. It helps control cravings, has anti-depressant qualities, and blocks the effects of narcotic opioids. As for the cons of Suboxone, it is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, it may cause constipation, there is a period of withdrawal after quitting Suboxone, and it may induce depression and other issues related to mental health. Suboxone also has a high risk of abuse.
Side Effects of Suboxone Use
Suboxone works in such a way that it binds to the opioid receptors located in the brain, which causes changes in the user’s mental state and behaviors. Changes in behavior related to Suboxone use can include:
- Lethargy
- Cravings
- Distress
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Mood Swings
- Impaired memory
Suboxone also causes physical side effects. Physical side effects of Suboxone use may include:
- Headaches
- Changes in appetite
- Stomach pain
- Dependency
- Issues with coordination
- Insomnia
- Cramps
- Muscle Aches
- Reduced breathing
- Liver damage
- Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., joint pain and excessive sweating)
Does Suboxone Cause or Affect Mood Swings?
Due to the fact that Suboxone is an extremely powerful mind-altering drug, it may cause mood swings, depression, agitation, and may make people taking it to act out of character and engage in violent behavior. Suboxone alters the brain chemistry of its users and may affect their behavior, specifically if they quit taking the medication abruptly. As stated before, the side effects of Suboxone can include depression, anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia.
Long-term use of Suboxone can cause many issues. Long-term Suboxone users have reported that quitting Suboxone is more difficult than quitting heroin or Oxycontin. This is due to the long-half life Suboxone. It is able to stay in the user’s system for approximately eight to nine days. This makes the detoxification process from Suboxone last for weeks to months. This long detoxification process includes uncomfortable side effects that are both physical and mental in nature. This includes mood swings and depression.
If you or a loved one is having difficulty with Suboxone use, please contact us today at 844-903-2111. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day and are ready to assist you and consult with you regarding your specific needs.
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