What is Suboxone? Uses, Dosage and Misconceptions

• Sublingual Tablets: These are placed under the tongue.
• Sublingual Film Strips: Also placed under the tongue, these dissolve quickly.
• Buccal Film Strips: These are placed between the gums and cheek.

All these forms dissolve rapidly in the mouth, similar to breath mint strips like Listerine. Suboxone comes in four strengths, ranging from 2 mg to 12 mg of buprenorphine.

The starting dose of Suboxone depends on the severity of the opioid addiction and is gradually reduced over time to help patients taper off the medication safely. The ultimate goal is to stop using Suboxone completely, with a carefully monitored process to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Patients often receive additional support through counseling and therapy to enhance their recovery.

The dosage of Suboxone your doctor prescribes will depend on factors such as:

• The type and severity of your opioid dependence
• The stage of treatment you’re in
• Any other medical conditions you may have

Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and adjust it as needed to find the right amount for you. They will aim to prescribe the smallest effective dose.

Suboxone forms and strengths: Suboxone comes as an oral film placed under the tongue (sublingual) or in the cheek (buccal), available in these strengths:

• 2 mg buprenorphine / 0.5 mg naloxone
• 4 mg buprenorphine / 1 mg naloxone
• 8 mg buprenorphine / 2 mg naloxone
• 12 mg buprenorphine / 3 mg naloxone

Generic versions also come as sublingual films or tablets.

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It contains two main ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Here’s how it works in the brain:

1. Easing Withdrawal Symptoms: When you take Suboxone, it helps ease withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone stops using other opioids. This is because buprenorphine, one of its components, attaches to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids.
2. Brain Chemistry: In your brain, there are special sites called opioid receptors. When opioids attach to these receptors, they can block the release of a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline, leading to feelings of drowsiness and pain relief. This process also causes the release of dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and reward.
3. Partial Agonist: Buprenorphine is a “partial agonist,” meaning it activates opioid receptors but not as strongly as full opioids like heroin or fentanyl. This makes it effective in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense euphoria associated with other opioids.
4. Naloxone’s Role: The naloxone in Suboxone helps prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject or snort Suboxone to get high, naloxone will block the effects of other opioids and can lead to immediate withdrawal symptoms, discouraging misuse.

Phase One – Starting Treatment:

You meet with a healthcare provider who will review your medical history and create a treatment plan. They’ll monitor your withdrawal symptoms and adjust your Suboxone dosage to manage them.

Phase Two – Managing Cravings:

After withdrawal, your provider will check how well Suboxone is controlling your cravings and adjust the dose if needed. You’ll also attend counseling or therapy to build healthy coping skills.

Phase Three – Long-Term Recovery:

Once you’ve maintained sobriety for several months or more, your provider may start reducing your Suboxone dose. In some cases, you might stay on Suboxone long-term to keep you on track.

Suboxone vs Methadone:

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms (body aches, cramps, fast heartbeat)
• Anxiety
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Sweating
• Depression
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Fatigue or weakness
• Back pain
• Burning sensation in the mouth or tongue
• Redness in the mouth

Serious Side Effects:

Though rare, serious side effects can occur. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe allergic reaction
• Misuse or dependence
• Breathing problems
• Coma
• Hormone issues (adrenal insufficiency)
• Liver damage
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Dental issues (cavities, tooth decay, infections)

Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction:

• Difficulty breathing
• Skin rash or hives
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat