Suboxone and Constipation: Understanding the Link

Suboxone is a medication used as part of a treatment program for opioid use disorder (OUD). This medication contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to keep cravings and withdrawal symptoms under control. When accessing Suboxone treatment from a qualified provider, you may experience some side effects, such as constipation. If the Suboxone side effects are severe or make it challenging to stay consistent with your treatment, you should contact your provider for guidance.

The caring professionals at Confidant Health’s online Suboxone clinic are here to answer your questions about Suboxone care. When you choose us as your Suboxone treatment provider, you will benefit from convenient virtual treatment and support for opioid use disorder at your fingertips. Schedule an online assessment today to learn if Suboxone treatment is right for you.

Does Suboxone Cause Constipation?

Suboxone treatment can cause constipation in some individuals. The Suboxone composition of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can cause changes in the body that affect bowel regularity.

How does Suboxone cause constipation? The buprenorphine in Suboxone binds to the same brain receptors that opioid drugs like morphine or oxycodone would. Suboxone creates a mild euphoria because of its ceiling effect due to the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. However, these opioid receptors are also correlated with central nervous system depression.

Central nervous system depressants slow down bodily functions, such as breathing, reaction time, and bowel contractions. When bowel contractions slow down, the result is constipation, characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, including hard stools that are difficult to pass.

Any opioid drug or medications like Suboxone that contain opioids can impact the body in this way. If you experience constipation or other Suboxone side effects from your treatment, call your provider for advice on managing your symptoms.

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How to Relieve Constipation from Suboxone

Although you should consult with your provider about any adverse side effects you have from your Suboxone regimen, there are some helpful home treatments that can alleviate the discomfort of constipation.

1. Make sure you are drinking enough water.

Increasing your water intake is one of the simplest ways to address constipation. Many people do not consume the recommended eight glasses of water daily. While that is a general recommendation, it is a good starting point if you’re experiencing constipation.

How much water should you drink? Some people may require more than eight glasses of water a day, particularly if they are a higher weight, live in a hot or humid climate, or engage in intense exercise regularly.

2. Check your fiber consumption.

The standard American diet typically doesn't contain adequate fiber for healthy bowel function. The daily recommended allowance of dietary fiber for adults is between 21 to 25 grams for women and 30 to 38 grams for men. Making sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet can increase your fiber intake and help alleviate constipation.

3. Take a dietary fiber supplement.

You'll find over-the-counter fiber supplements such as Metamucil or psyllium husk fiber. These are usually in powder form and can be stirred into a beverage daily to help boost your fiber consumption.

4. Try a stool softener.

If increasing your water and fiber intake does not produce the desired relief from constipation, you can try a stool softener. You can find stool softeners in tablet form or as powders you dissolve into water or another beverage. These products help soften the stool to allow it to pass through your system more easily. Others, like Miralax, also have the ability to increase the frequency of bowel movements.

Making adjustments to your diet by increasing your fiber consumption and water intake are great ways to alleviate constipation from Suboxone but also to support your overall health and well-being as you manage opioid use disorder. However, be sure to consult with your provider about your Suboxone side effects regardless. They may determine that an adjustment to your dosage is required.

What Does Suboxone Do to Your Body?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. These Suboxone ingredients interact with opioid receptors in the brain, which can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings but also lead to some undesirable changes in the body. 

In addition to constipation, some of the side effects Suboxone medication can have on your body include:

• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pinpoint pupils
• Sweating

Suboxone side effects can occur when taking your medication exactly as prescribed. However, side effects are more common if your dosage needs an adjustment. Whether your dose is too low or too high, your body may respond with intensified side effects such as the above. Always reach out to your provider if you experience discomfort from your Suboxone prescription. 

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Other FAQs

How does Suboxone dehydrate you?

Some people find that Suboxone and other opioid medications have dehydrating effects. Dehydration is often the result of other side effects of Suboxone, like vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. Excessive fluid loss through these symptoms can leave you dehydrated, which may also instigate constipation.

Can Suboxone cause stomach ulcers?

Suboxone and other opioid medications can lead to stomach ulcers and other complications. Constipation is considered to be a contributor to colonic perforation and stomach ulcers. Unfortunately, some people may be unaware of constipation early on due to the pain-relieving effects of opioids. Suboxone and other opioid medications can lead to stomach ulcers and other complications. If you notice any changes in your bowel movements, such as difficulty emptying your bowels, infrequent bowel movements, bloating, or stomach pain, consult your provider immediately for guidance. 

Get Your Suboxone Questions Answered by Confidant Health’s Online Suboxone Doctors

When you receive Suboxone care from trusted professionals, like those at Confidant Health’s online Suboxone clinic, your side effects can be kept to a minimum. Our online Suboxone doctors will work closely with you to determine the appropriate dosage to address opioid withdrawal symptoms while preventing side effects as much as possible. Schedule an online assessment with our team to start receiving treatment for opioid use disorder from the comfort of your home.

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