Although uncommon, leg and feet swelling are listed as infrequent side effects of Suboxone. There can also be fluid retention in the hands and arms.
By definition, an infrequent side effect means that 1/100 - 1/1000 people experience it. It is not a serious side effect if it is being caused by Suboxone. However, the new onset of leg and feet swelling can be a sign of serious medical illness and should be evaluated by your provider.
What are some common and important side effects of Suboxone?
Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Generalized muscle aches and cramps
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Feelings of skipped heartbeats
- Attentional problems
- Tongue pain
Other important side effects to be aware of include:
- Respiratory suppression
- Overdose if taken in excess or with other sedating medications
- Euphoria, misuse, addiction (possible but lower than other opioids)
- Withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation
- Precipitated opioid withdrawal (if other opioids are present in the system)
What are other causes of leg and feet swelling?
Many factors can cause leg and feet swelling, and some of them are serious.
Causes of leg and feet swelling include:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Blood clot
- Overweight
- Leg infection
- Older age
- Venous insufficiency
- Preeclampsia (in a pregnant woman)
- Other medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, hormone pills, steroids.
If you develop leg swelling while taking Suboxone, do not assume it is just the Suboxone. It is important to be evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible.
