How Long Does Suboxone Withdrawal Last

Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Doctors prescribe Suboxone to treat opioid addiction. It is a lifeline for many. 

It has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal overdose by fifty percent. Suboxone stops the high from opioids and helps to reduce cravings. But, while Suboxone doesn’t produce a euphoric high, it can be addictive. It may take up to a month for symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal to subside.

How Long Before Suboxone Withdrawal Starts 

Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can begin soon after the first missed dose, with the first seventy-two hours being a time of intense onset. It’s often recommended to taper off of Suboxone, rather than stopping cold turkey, to minimize and manage the earliest and most severe withdrawal symptoms. 

Suboxone Withdrawal Timeline 

Withdrawal symptoms are best understood and managed when we look at them as distinct phases. There are four stages of suboxone withdrawal and recovery, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges. 

Initial Phase – First 72 Hours: Symptoms occur rather quickly after the first missed dose and tend to appear with more intensity than later symptoms. Chills, fevers, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and opioid cravings are the most common symptoms during the initial phase of withdrawal. 

Peak Phase – Days Three through Five: This is often the most challenging phase due to the intensity of the symptoms. It may be difficult or impossible to tend to work, school, or home obligations during this time. Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, whole-body achiness, anxiety, and mood changes. Cravings and the risk of relapse may also be high at this stage. 

Stabilization Phase – Week One and Two: At the one-week mark, Suboxone withdrawal symptoms should begin to decline gradually. Although some psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia, may still persist, it may be possible to begin returning to normal activities. 

Extended Withdrawal Phase – One Month: Most symptoms of withdrawal have lessened or disappeared. However, you may still experience some residual fatigue and psychological symptoms. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety may linger for several months. If these symptoms interfere with your life, contact your doctor or Massachusetts Center for Addiction for help. 

What Are the Symptoms of Suboxone Withdrawal

The symptoms of Suboxone withdrawals vary from very mild to moderately severe. The withdrawal symptoms of Suboxone are generally less than what’s experienced with severe opioid withdrawal, but they can still be very noticeable and can potentially interfere with daily life. 

Not everyone will experience the same withdrawal symptoms or levels of severity. The most common symptoms of Suboxone withdrawal include:

• Headaches
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Sweating
• Chills
• Fever
• Skin Sensations 
• Muscle Aches & Joint Pain 
• Digestive Distress & Bowel Changes
• Fatigue 
• Weakness 

In addition to physical symptoms, Suboxone may also produce psychological withdrawal symptoms, including cravings for opioids and a heightened risk of relapse. You may also experience disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety, irritability, loss of focus, and vivid dreams or nightmares. 

Are Treatment Options Available for Suboxone Withdrawal?

If you’re struggling with Suboxone withdrawal, there are options available that can help. A qualified addiction clinician can work with you to plan out a tapering schedule to minimize symptoms. Other options include behavior therapy and additional medications.

While medications for Suboxone withdrawal aren’t always the first line of treatment, they are available and can be helpful depending on your individual circumstances. Examples of these medications include:

• Sublocade
• Vivitrol
• Methadone

Get Help for Suboxone Withdrawal in Massachusetts

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we provide tailored addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, including treatment for opioid dependence. Suboxone is an effective medication, but it comes with some challenges. If you’d like to discuss your options or are having difficulty leaving Subloxone behind, we’re here to help. Contact us today at 1-844-486-0671.