Buprenorphine Injection Side Effects

Potential side effects of buprenorphine injections include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. In many cases, reactions of the medication are minor and either do not require medical attention or can be treated easily. However, certain side effects are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately, including slow or irregular breathing, hallucinations, or fainting.

An Introduction to Side Effects of the Buprenorphine Injection

Just like any medicine, the buprenorphine injection (Buprenex®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with buprenorphine injections. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Serious Buprenorphine Injection Side Effects

Some side effects of this drug are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.
 These include but are not limited to:
 
  • The urge to use more of the medication than prescribed or for a non-medical purpose
  • Any difficulty breathing, including reduced, shallow, slow, or irregular breathing
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Confusion or problems thinking, walking, or talking
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
  • Severe constipation
  • Unusual changes in behavior or mood, including depression, hostility, agitation, or anxiety
  • Dizziness when getting up from a seated or lying position, which may be a sign of low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • An unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Swelling of the mouth or throat
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing.
 
Buprenorphine Injection Side Effects Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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