If you miss a dose of Suboxone, take it when you remember it.
If you remember that you’ve missed a dose and it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and wait until the next dose time.
Disclaimer: This page should not serve as a substitute for medical advice. If you are having trouble with your medication or experiencing adverse symptoms, call your treatment provider or seek medical assistance right away.
Learn more about taking Suboxone to overcome opioid addiction
Should I Take Two Doses Of Suboxone At Once?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) advises that Suboxone should only be taken once a day.
If you miss a dose, it’s fine to take it when you remember and resume your normal time the next day, but don’t take two doses at once.
If your doctor advises you to take two doses of Suboxone, then it is safe to do so but only under their instruction.
Suboxone has a ceiling effect, which means that after it reaches a certain threshold, taking more of the drug will not increase the effects. Taking two doses at once is a waste of a dose.
The FDA directs those using Suboxone to call their doctor if they’re unsure about dosing.
What Happens If I Miss Multiple Days/Doses Of Suboxone?
If you miss one dose, you shouldn’t have any negative consequences. However, if you miss multiple days in a row, you will likely experience withdrawal.
Suddenly stopping Suboxone or missing multiple doses can cause recovering individuals to feel extremely sick and go through withdrawal.
You May Experience Suboxone Withdrawal
When a person uses Suboxone to treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal, their body becomes accustomed to the medicine.
Missing multiple doses will cause a person to suffer from withdrawal because the body is physically dependent on Suboxone.
It’s important to note that physical dependence is not the same as addiction. You may not be addicted to Suboxone, but your body is dependent on the chemicals the medicine provides.
Is Suboxone Less Effective If I Miss A Dose?
Suboxone will still be effective, even if a dose is missed. It’s not ideal to skip a dose or take two doses close together, but the medication will still work well.
Suboxone is a long-acting opioid, meaning it will work in the body for about 36 to 48 hours.
This medication used to be administered in a single dose every other day. And while Suboxone should now be taken daily, it’s still going to work for a couple of days.
Call Us To Learn About Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone treatment is available in a range of addiction treatment programs.
Some of the programs that offer Suboxone treatment include:
- outpatient rehab, a part-time treatment option at varying levels of care
- inpatient rehab, a live-in treatment option
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a combination of medication and behavioral therapies
Our helpline is available to assist you in finding a program that’s right for you or your loved one. Call us today to get started.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)—SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020733s022lbl.pdf - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)—Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone)
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Buprenorphine/Buprenorphine-Naloxone-(Suboxone) - NPS Medicine Wise—Suboxone Film
https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/suboxone-sublingual-film-2-mg-0-5-mg
