If you’re looking at treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD), your doctor may recommend Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone). This prescription drug can help decrease the symptoms of withdrawal. You may have such symptoms when you stop taking opioid drugs.

The tablets can be dissolved under your tongue. You can take Zubsolv on the first day of treatment. You will probably take Zubsolv once daily after your first day.

The treatment for OUD is usually called Zubsolv. Your doctor may reduce your dose over time so you can stop taking it.

For more information about Zubsolv, see this in-depth article on the drug.

Mild or serious side effects can be caused by Zubsolv. Continue reading to learn more.

Mild or serious side effects may occur during the treatment of Zubsolv. Some of the reported side effects of Zubsolv include:

See the side effects explained below for more information.

The sections below give you information on the side effects that may occur while you are taking Zubsolv.

Side effects may occur during treatment. Some of the side effects may be mild. Mild side effects have been reported with Zubsolv.

See the side effects explained below for more information.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop using it.”

Zubsolv may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Zubsolv prescribing information to learn more.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Zubsolv, visit MedWatch.

There are more serious side effects that may be caused by Zubsolv. There are very few serious side effects from this drug. It is important to know which serious side effects to look out for when taking this medication.

There have been serious side effects reported with Zubsolv.

See the side effects explained below for more information.
† There have been reports of allergic reaction occurring in people using Zubsolv. But it’s unclear how often this has happened or if Zubsolv was the cause.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Zubsolv, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

You may have There are withdrawal symptoms. when you stop using opioids and start Zubsolv. You may also have some There are withdrawal symptoms. while taking Zubsolv, especially if your dose is too low. Opioid withdrawal may occur when your body becomes used to having a certain amount of opioid, and you’re taking less.

Symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include vomiting, sweating more than usual, and feeling generally unwell. For more information on There are withdrawal symptoms. that you may have while taking Zubsolv, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Zubsolv, is itself an opioid (though one that isn’t as strong as other opioids). Because of this, if you suddenly stop taking Zubsolv, you may have There are withdrawal symptoms..

If you are having There are withdrawal symptoms., talk to your doctor. They can increase your dose or monitor your symptoms.

It’s also possible to develop dependence on Zubsolv. “Dependence” means that your body becomes used to taking a certain drug each day. As a result, your body needs the drug to feel normal.

If you have questions about withdrawal or dependence, talk to your doctor.

There are many questions about the side effects of Zubsolv.

Will I gain or lose weight during my Zubsolv treatment?

It is possible to gain or lose weight during treatment with Zubsolv.

Changes in weight weren’t reported as a side effect in studies of people using Zubsolv. But weight gain may occur due to lifestyle changes after starting treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). As part of your treatment for OUD, you may make lifestyle improvements such as eating healthier. This may cause your weight to change.

One side effect of Zubsolv is The arms or legs are swollen., which is called peripheral edema. This swelling may result in an increase in your body weight. One study of people taking buprenorphine and naloxone (the two active ingredients in Zubsolv) did report weight gain as a side effect.

You may also have weight loss while you’re taking Zubsolv. Weight loss can occur from other side effects that you have with Zubsolv. For example, if you experience nausea and vomiting while taking Zubsolv, you may not be able to keep food down. This could cause you to lose weight. Weight loss can also be a symptom of more serious side effects, such as There are problems with the bile duct..

If you have a change in weight while you are taking Zubsolv, talk to your doctor. They should be able to find out what is causing your weight change. They can suggest ways to keep your weight in check during your treatment.

How do the side effects of Zubsolv and Suboxone compare?

Both buprenorphine and naloxone are found in Zubsolv and Suboxone, so they may cause the same side effects. There are some side effects that may occur with either drug.

For more information about how Zubsolv compares with Suboxone, see “Zubsolv vs. Suboxone” in this article.

If you have questions about which drug is best for your OUD, talk to your doctor. You may benefit from one medication over the other, even though both drugs have the same active ingredients.

Does Zubsolv cause any long-term side effects?

It is uncommon for Zubsolv to cause long-term side effects. After you stop taking the medication, most of the side effects will disappear.

However, though rare, certain side effects of Zubsolv may cause long-term issues. This includes There are problems with the bile duct., such as liver damage.

People taking the drug have the most side effects. The side effects of taking the drug will usually go away after you stop. Side effects may remain even after you stop taking the drug.

If you are concerned about long-term side effects, talk to your doctor. They will keep an eye on you for side effects. If you have side effects from this drug, they may recommend a different treatment.

Can Zubsolv cause vision problems?

Zubsolv doesn’t directly cause any vision problems. But it can cause a decrease in central nervous system (CNS) activity called CNS depression. A symptom of CNS depression is blurred vision. Other symptoms may include feeling confused, having slurred speech, or feeling very tired.

Depression in the central nervous system may be dangerous. If you have any symptoms of this condition, you should contact your doctor.

Will I experience any emotional side effects while using Zubsolv?

Emotional side effects weren’t commonly reported in people taking Zubsolv. But some emotional side effects were reported in studies of people taking buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Zubsolv. Such side effects include anxiety, depression, and nervousness.

Emotional side effects may also occur in people having There are withdrawal symptoms.. Withdrawal may cause you to feel anxious.

“If you have any emotional side effects during your treatment, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease the side effects. If your doctor thinks that treatments don’t work, he may recommend a different medication.”

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, you may not be a good choice for ubsolv. Talk to your doctor about your health history. Those listed below are factors to consider.

Liver conditions, such as hepatitis. Zubsolv may cause your liver function to decrease, which may be serious. If you have a liver condition, such as hepatitis, taking Zubsolv may make it worse.

Tell your doctor about any liver conditions that you have before you start taking Zubsolv. In certain cases, they may recommend a different medication for your opioid use disorder (OUD).

Brain injury. Zubsolv can cause an increase in the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (which surrounds your brain and spinal cord). If you have a brain injury or another condition that affects your cerebrospinal fluid, taking Zubsolv may make your condition worse.

Inform your doctor if you have any brain conditions. They may check the pressure of your fluid more often during your treatment.

Conditions affecting your bile tract. Zubsolv may increase the pressure inside your bile tract, which consists of ducts through which bile moves. (Bile is a fluid that helps you digest food.) If you have any conditions that affect your bile tract, Zubsolv may worsen them.

Before starting Zubsolv, it is important to discuss the risk with your doctor so that they can recommend the best treatment option for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Zubsolv or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take this drug. Ask your doctor which other medications are better options for you.

Lung conditions. Zubsolv can cause very serious side effects, such as Respiratory depression.. This side effect causes trouble breathing and may even stop you from breathing altogether. If you have any lung conditions that also affect your breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), taking Zubsolv may worsen your breathing even further. This can become very serious.

“Before starting treatment with Zubsolv, you should tell your doctor about any lung conditions. They may keep an eye on you during your treatment. They may start you at a lower dose to make sure you don’t have breathing problems.”

Digestive system conditions. Zubsolv may cause you to have digestive system side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or constipation. If you have a condition that affects your digestive system, taking Zubsolv may make it harder for your doctor to treat your condition.

Discuss any conditions with your doctor before starting. They may be able to watch your condition more closely.

Heart problems or increased risk of heart problems. If you have a heart condition, or if you’re at a high risk of heart problems, Zubsolv may increase your risk of long QT syndrome. This refers to abnormal electrical activity in your heart.

If you already have heart problems or a high risk of heart problems, your doctor will likely monitor you for heart problems during Zubsolv treatment. These conditions include bradycardia, hypokalemia, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Zubsolv treatment.

Alcohol and Zubsolv

You shouldn’t drink alcohol while you’re taking Zubsolv. Both alcohol and Zubsolv may cause Respiratory depression.. If you drink alcohol while taking Zubsolv, you may have an increased risk of central nervous system depression. This can cause trouble breathing, feeling sleepy, loss of consciousness, or even death.

If you think you will have trouble avoiding alcohol during treatment, talk to your doctor. They may suggest a different treatment for your OUD.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Zubsolv

If you are taking Zubsolv while pregnant or breastfeeding, you should know about the side effects.

Pregnancy

It isn’t known if Zubsolv is safe to take during pregnancy. Limited data from animal studies shows that buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Zubsolv, may be harmful to a fetus. There isn’t enough data on naloxone, the other active ingredient in Zubsolv, to determine if it may be safe during pregnancy.

Treatment guidelines state that pregnant people with OUD should be treated for this condition with medication during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest Zubsolv as a treatment option for you while you’re pregnant. Be sure to discuss with them the risks and benefits of taking Zubsolv during this time.

Untreated OUD during pregnancy may increase your risk for preterm birth or even pregnancy loss. Your risk for having a baby with a low birth weight is also increased. And if you begin using opioid drugs again during pregnancy, this can be especially harmful to the fetus.

If you take Zubsolv during your pregnancies, your baby may have a condition called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. This includes symptoms.

If your baby has symptoms of a withdrawal condition, your doctor can treat it.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about Zubsolv treatment. Even if you’re taking Zubsolv before pregnancy, your doctor may need to change your dose during your pregnancy. During your pregnancy, they may monitor you often to be sure that you aren’t having There are withdrawal symptoms..

Breastfeeding

It isn’t known if Zubsolv is safe to take while you’re breastfeeding. Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Zubsolv, passes into the breast milk of females* taking the drug. But limited data shows that a child breastfed by someone taking buprenorphine experiences no harm.

“Studies suggest that the active ingredient in Zubsolv, the drug naloxone, isn’t absorbed into the body. Not much of this drug would end up in breast milk. It is not known what effects the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone will have.”

If you decide to breastfeed while taking Zubsolv, watch your child for symptoms of exposure to the drug, including drowsiness or trouble breathing. If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about whether Zubsolv may be a safe option for you. They’ll be able to recommend the best treatment options for your OUD while you’re breastfeeding.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

There are some side effects that may be caused by Zubsolv.

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms were a common side effect for people taking Zubsolv for opioid use disorder (OUD). These symptoms are possible when you first stop using opioids and start Zubsolv. To prevent these symptoms, you’ll take your first dose of Zubsolv at least 6 hours after your last dose of opioids.

You may have There are withdrawal symptoms. if your dose of Zubsolv is too low. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur if you stop taking Zubsolv suddenly. This is because buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients in Zubsolv, is itself an opioid (though one that isn’t as strong as other opioids).

Some symptoms of withdrawal from the drug may be present.

What might help

If you are having withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can increase the dose of Zubsolv.

They may also recommend ways to decrease the effects of your There are withdrawal symptoms.. For example, if you’re having nausea and vomiting, your doctor may recommend an additional medication to treat these symptoms.

The section on the possibility of withdrawal is called “Zubsolv and withdrawal and dependence”. If you still have questions, talk to your doctor.

Headache

You may have headaches while you’re taking Zubsolv. In studies, headaches were a commonly reported side effect of Zubsolv.

What might help

If you have headaches while taking Zubsolv, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to treat your headaches.

Respiratory depression

Respiratory depression is a rare but serious side effect that can occur while taking Zubsolv. Symptoms of Respiratory depression. may include dizziness, confusion, or a slower breathing rate than normal.

Respiratory depression can be a symptom of central nervous system depression (decreased function of the brain and spinal cord). Although not a common side effect, this condition is serious and can lead to coma or even death.

The following factors likely increase the risk of Respiratory depression.:

  • taking Zubsolv with another drug that can cause Respiratory depression.
  • Taking alcohol with Zubsolv.
  • Misuse Zubsolv in a way other than how it is prescribed for you.

So it’s important that you follow your doctor’s directions for how to take Zubsolv. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you take. This way, they can determine if Zubsolv treatment will increase your risk for Respiratory depression..

There are reports of side effects that occurred after studies were done.

What might help

If you notice any signs or symptoms of Respiratory depression., see a doctor right away. It’s possible for Respiratory depression. to lead to very serious outcomes, such as coma or death. So it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Before you start taking Zubsolv, talk with your doctor about the possibility of Respiratory depression. occurring. Let them know of any other medications that you’re taking and any lung conditions that you have. If you’re at high risk for developing Respiratory depression., your doctor may recommend a different medication to treat your OUD.

Digestive system side effects

Zubsolv may cause you to have digestive system side effects. Examples include nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which studies of Zubsolv found to be common side effects.

What might help

If you have a stomach problem while taking Zubsolv, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease the side effects. They may recommend other drugs that will help you with your side effects.

Allergic reaction

Some people can have an allergic reaction to Zubsolv.

Mild or serious symptoms can be present.

  • There is a rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of your skin color)
  • “It’s swelling under your skin, usually in your lips, hands, or feet.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild There is a rash., call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Zubsolv, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Zubsolv, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Keep notes on any side effects you have during your treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • What dose of drug did you take when you had the side effect?
  • How soon after starting that dose did you experience side effects?
  • What were your symptoms after the side effect?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Zubsolv affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

There is a risk of misuse when taking Zubsolv, including addiction. Zubsolv contains buprenorphine, which is an opioid drug that isn’t as strong as other opioids. Misusing a drug means taking it in a way other than how it’s prescribed. It also refers to taking a drug prescribed to someone else.

It’s important to take Zubsolv as your doctor has prescribed it. Also, never share your prescription with others. Misuse of Zubsolv may cause There are withdrawal symptoms. such as vomiting, sweating more than usual, or feeling unwell. Serious symptoms, including overdose of Zubsolv and death, can also occur with Zubsolv misuse.

You may have side effects while taking the drug. Most side effects are mild. Some questions you may want to ask your doctor about the side effects of Zubsolv.

  • How do I keep the side effects from being worse?
  • How will my treatment plan change if I become pregnant while taking a drug?
  • If I decide I want to stop taking Zubsolv, will I have There are withdrawal symptoms.?
  • Does my risk for side effects increase if I take other medications or have other medical conditions?

Q:

Respiratory depression and central nervous system (CNS) depression sound very serious. How can I avoid these side effects, and what symptoms should I look out for?

Anonymous

A:

Respiratory depression and the central nervous system depression can be very serious. These conditions can lead to death. It is important that you tell your doctor what you are taking before starting Zubsolv.

A drug called a CNS depressant is called ubsolv. If you are taking Zubsolv, you should avoid taking other depressants. Examples include:

“This isn’t a complete list of drugs that should be avoided. Alcohol is a depressant and should not be used while taking Zubsolv.”

If you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), use Zubsolv with caution. It can increase your risk for Respiratory depression..

Symptoms of these conditions that you should be aware of include dizziness, confusion, and a slower breathing rate than usual. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of Respiratory depression. or CNS depression, get emergency medical help right away.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.