Suboxone Tablets: How to Take Them

Suboxone Tablets: What Are They?

Suboxone pills are used for the FDA-approved indication of opioid use disorder (OUD) to help people who are addicted to opioids manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone tablets are also used off-label in the treatment of chronic pain in some people.

Suboxone is available in two different forms: strips (films) and tablets (pills). Suboxone pills are dissolvable tablets that contain a mixture of two medications: "buprenorphine" and "naloxone," which are both opioids. The tablets can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (inside the cheek) and disintegrate quickly. Suboxone can also be taken in the form of a film or a strip.

Why is Suboxone Available in a Sublingual Form Rather Than as a Pill to be Swallowed?

Because it is more "bioavailable," buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is best absorbed under the tongue or sometimes inside the cheek. This means that by dissolving through the skin of the mouth, more medication can enter the system than by being digested in our very acidic stomachs. Because most patients are accustomed to taking medications, transitioning to a sublingual film or tablet can be difficult. This post will show you how to take a Suboxone tablet step by step.

Tablets vs. Suboxone Film

Both strips (films) and tablets of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) function equally well to treat opioid use disorder. Depending on what is available at their local pharmacy or what their insurance plan covers, a patient may receive either the strip or the pill.

Patients usually begin with the strips, which are perhaps the most popular kind available. There are a few minor distinctions. Some patients prefer one over the other because the strips or tablets have a less bitter flavor. The pills, on average, take a little longer to dissolve than the strips. When used correctly, however, both compositions function equally effectively. Talk to your doctor if you've taken one or the other and want to try a new formulation.

What is the best way to take Suboxone tablets?

The image above shows buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) pills. The number 2 stands for "two milligrams," however they can come in bigger amounts of eight or twelve milligrams.

1. Keep the tablets in a cool, dry location. They don't need to be kept in the fridge.

2. Make sure you've eaten something 15 to 30 minutes before taking your buprenorphine/naloxone tablet, especially if you're just beginning out (Suboxone). This is to avoid nausea or stomach distress.

3. Make sure your mouth is free of food before taking your dose.

4. To aid in the dissolution of the tablet, wet your mouth with water before using it.

5. Place the tablet beneath your tongue and hold it there until you're ready to take your dose.

6. Until the tablet is completely dissolved, try not to talk or move it in your mouth. On average, this takes between two and five minutes. The tablet form of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) takes a little longer to dissolve than the strip form.

7. The pill should not be chewed, sucked, or swallowed because it will not be fully absorbed this manner.

8. You can either spit out any saliva that has accumulated in your mouth or swallow it once the tablet has completely dissolved. Because they don't enjoy the taste of saliva, some people choose to spit it out. If you're going to do this, make sure it's after the tablet has completely disintegrated and all that's left is saliva.

9. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) has a minty/sour taste that might be unpleasant at first. The majority of people rapidly become accustomed to the flavor.

10. Wait around five minutes after taking your tablet before drinking water or eating anything to ensure that the tablet is completely dissolved.

11. The effects of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) normally begin 10 to 30 minutes after the tablet is taken.
    

Dosage of Suboxone Tablets

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) pills are available in a variety of doses. The smallest tablets normally contain 2 mg, while the largest contain 12 mg. The tablets are the same size, however the higher dose tablets have more medicine in them.

Suboxone Tablets Side Effects

Nausea is a typical adverse effect of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), especially in the beginning. As the body becomes accustomed to the medicine, this side effect usually fades. It can also cause euphoria or dizziness. Patients who are already accustomed to opioids, on the other hand, are less likely to experience this. If these side effects do occur, they might last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours until the drug wears off.

Constipation is a side effect of opioids in general, particularly buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). This can be a long-term issue. Don't be alarmed if you experience any unpleasant side effects when taking buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), especially at initially. Many of these adverse effects subside when your body adjusts to the medication throughout the first several days. Talk to your doctor if any of the side effects you're having don't go away. There are various drugs as well as ideas and strategies for reducing any negative side effects.

Is Suboxone Therapy a Good Fit for You?

Please contact our Suboxone clinic online Suboxone doctors if you believe buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is right for you. We'll be happy to address any queries you may have. Call us at (877) 957-2149 or make an appointment.