Which effect is NOT typically associated with buprenorphine or buprenorphine/naloxone?

Respiratory arrest is not typically associated with buprenorphine or buprenorphine/naloxone due to the unique pharmacological properties of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full agonists like heroin or fentanyl. This lower level of activation results in a ceiling effect, where increased doses do not produce a corresponding increase in effects such as respiratory depression, a common risk associated with full opioid agonists.

This ceiling effect significantly lowers the risk of respiratory arrest compared to other opioids, making buprenorphine a safer option for treating opioid dependence. The other effects listed, such as analgesia, constipation, and reduction in the use of other opioids, are commonly experienced with buprenorphine treatment. Analgesia occurs because buprenorphine can relieve pain, constipation is a frequent side effect of many opioids, and the medication is designed to help reduce the use of other opioids by managing withdrawal and cravings.