Subutex (buprenorphine) is a medication that is taken once, daily, unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Depending on the prescribed dosage, this may involve taking more than one tablet.
The frequency in which a person is directed to take Subutex may depend on which stage of the treatment process they are in: induction, stabilization, or maintenance.
Learn more about the proper way to take Subutex
How Often You Can Take Subutex During Opioid Withdrawal
Healthcare providers generally begin administering Subutex under clinical supervision during early opioid withdrawal, at least four to eight hours after a person’s last opioid use.
During the first few days of acute withdrawal, Subutex may be administered by a healthcare professional once every few hours, as needed, in 2 milligram (mg) to 4 mg increments.
After acute withdrawal, healthcare providers may choose to either switch a person to Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) or adjust the dose of Subutex for stabilization and maintenance.
How Often You Can Take Subutex For Maintenance
Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine, one of several medications that is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder as a medication-assisted treatment.
Although Suboxone is preferred over Subutex for maintenance, doctors may prescribe Subutex for daily use in people who are unable to tolerate the presence of naloxone.
Subutex is taken once daily during the maintenance stage of treatment. The daily dose of Subutex for maintenance is generally in the range of 4 mg to 24 mg.
This may require that a person takes more than one tablet at a time. To do this, they may be directed to place tablets under the tongue together, or alternatively, one after the other.
Risks And Dangers Of Taking Subutex Too Often
Subutex should not be taken more often than directed by a doctor. This can have adverse side effects and may be a sign of substance misuse.
Subutex is an opioid partial agonist. Taking multiple doses of Subutex alone or with other drugs within a short period of time could cause acute liver injury or drug overdose.
Call To Learn More About Subutex Treatment Today
Subutex is a drug that can be safe and effective for treating opioid dependence when it’s taken as directed by a doctor.
For more information about Subutex and how to find a rehab center that offers medication-assisted treatment with Subutex near you, call our helpline today.
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- American Society of Addiction Medicine — A Patient’s Guide to Starting Buprenorphine At Home
https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/unobserved-home-induction-patient-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=16224bc2_0 - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Buprenorphine
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — SUBUTEX (buprenorphine sublingual tablets)
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020732s018lbl.pdf
