Will Suboxone Make You Gain Weight?
Overcoming opioid addiction, also referred to as opioid use disorder (OUD), often requires professional support. Quitting opioids abruptly, or ‘cold turkey,’ can be both challenging and dangerous, and maintaining long-term recovery is hard without the right resources and support. Fortunately, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) like Suboxone can be an effective way to support recovery. For many individuals, Suboxone plays an important role in helping them manage OUD symptoms safely. However, despite its benefits, there are several misconceptions about Suboxone, including concerns about weight gain.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Buprenorphine (brand name Suboxone) was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a treatment for opioid addiction. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, it offers significant benefits, including the ability to reduce opioid cravings and suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms for up to 24 hours. Suboxone combines two active ingredients that work together to help individuals manage opioid dependence:
Suboxone is comprised of two different medications:
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain but produces weaker effects than full opioids like heroin, methadone, or oxycodone. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating the same level of euphoria or sedation.
- Naloxone: An opioid antagonist, naloxone is included in Suboxone to help prevent misuse. While naloxone is commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses in emergency settings, in Suboxone, its presence discourages individuals from injecting or misusing the medication.
The Great Weight-Gain Myth
One of the most common myths about Suboxone is that it causes significant weight gain. While Suboxone is not typically associated with significant weight gain, it can indirectly impact weight for some individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
When a person starts their recovery journey, they may experience reduced cravings for opioids, which may improve their eating habits and increase their physical activity. These positive lifestyle changes may actually lead to weight loss. However, some individuals may replace their opioid use with other behaviors, such as overeating, which can lead to weight gain.
As the body adjusts to Suboxone, these effects may lessen, leading to changes in weight perception. Some individuals who feel heavier may simply be noticing the resolution of bloating or water retention that was present during opioid use.
Ultimately, weight changes during Suboxone treatment vary from person to person and depend on factors such as diet, activity levels, and overall health. If you have concerns about weight fluctuations during treatment, discussing them with your healthcare provider can help. They can provide you with referrals for treatment and help you learn more about inpatient and outpatient rehab options.
