How To Properly Take Subutex

Subutex is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It contains buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high of opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. Subutex is typically prescribed during early addiction treatment to help people safely transition off stronger opioids.

Taking Subutex correctly is essential for safe and effective treatment. The medication comes as a sublingual tablet that must be dissolved under the tongue rather than swallowed. Proper administration ensures the medication works as intended and reduces side effects.

Learn more about taking Subutex as part of a medication-assisted treatment program

Steps For How To Properly Take Subutex

The first step for how to properly take Subutex is to place the dissolvable tablet under the tongue, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Next, allow it to fully dissolve. If you’re taking more than one tablet, place both tablets under the tongue at once, or alternatively if both tablets can’t fit comfortably.

Wait for the tablet(s) to completely dissolve before eating or drinking anything. Eating or drinking prior to taking Subutex could affect its absorption.

When To Take Your First Dose Of Subutex

Timing your first dose of Subutex correctly is crucial to avoid precipitated withdrawal, where withdrawal symptoms suddenly become worse instead of better. You must wait until you’re already experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms before taking your first dose. This usually means waiting 12-24 hours after your last use of short-acting opioids like heroin, or 24-72 hours after long-acting opioids like methadone.

Your doctor will assess your withdrawal symptoms to determine when it’s safe to start Subutex. Signs you’re ready include muscle aches, sweating, anxiety, runny nose, and stomach cramping. Never take Subutex while you still have opioids in your system, as this can trigger severe precipitated withdrawal. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions about timing.

Common Side Effects And What To Expect

Subutex can cause side effects, especially during the first few days of treatment as your body adjusts. Common side effects include headache, nausea, constipation, sweating, insomnia or drowsiness, and muscle aches. Most effects are mild and improve over time. Taking Subutex at the same time each day and staying hydrated can help minimize discomfort.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe stomach pain, or signs of an allergic reaction. Never mix Subutex with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sedatives, as this can cause dangerous respiratory depression. If side effects persist, talk to your doctor rather than stopping the medication on your own

How Not To Take Subutex

Subutex tablets should not be swallowed, chewed, crushed, or injected. Taking Subutex in any way other than prescribed may cause negative side effects, including severe symptoms of acute withdrawal.

When taken properly, Subutex can effectively reduce the discomfort of opioid withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid dependence. It can also prevent opioid cravings.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff