Suboxone is a medication used to help people recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD). It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone helps prevent misuse.
Getting the right Suboxone dose is important. The right dose can help you manage cravings and keep withdrawal symptoms under control. Suboxone’s dosage guidelines say it should be taken as a single daily dose. Understanding exactly how dosing works can help you get a better understanding of OUD treatment.
General Suboxone dosing guidelines
Suboxone dosing isn’t the same for everyone. The dose you need depends on several factors, including your opioid use history, your withdrawal symptoms, and how your body responds to medication. At Groups, your provider will work with you to find the right dose.
As a sublingual film, Suboxone comes in four main dosage strengths:
- Buprenorphine 2 mg / naloxone 0.5 mg
- Buprenorphine 4 mg / naloxone 1 mg
- Buprenorphine 8 mg / naloxone 2 mg
- Buprenorphine 12 mg / naloxone 3 mg
Your provider can help determine which dosage is right for you. On your first day, you may get a lower dose of treatment to help you adjust to full doses. When prescribing medication, your provider may ask about your medical history. Suboxone can have negative interactions with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines and antiretrovirals. Combining Suboxone with central nervous system depressants increases the risk of respiratory depression and requires extra monitoring. Your provider may want to make sure you aren’t taking any medications that may have harmful interactions before prescribing Suboxone.
How does Suboxone dosing work?
Taking a dose of Suboxone is simple. Once a day, you will place a dose of the medication under your tongue and wait for it to dissolve. Your treatment provider may check in frequently to make sure your recovery is going well. Suboxone treatment typically has a few phases:
- Induction — Induction is the first step in Suboxone treatment. It begins when you’re experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms. If you start taking Suboxone too soon, it can cause precipitated withdrawal. Precipitated withdrawal refers to a sudden, intense withdrawal reaction. To prevent this, your provider will likely recommend waiting for opioids to leave your system before treatment. The typical starting dose contains between 2 mg and 4 mg of buprenorphine. This is taken as a tablet or film under the tongue. Your provider may increase the dose slowly based on how well it relieves your symptoms. During this phase, your provider will monitor your condition to make sure the medication is working effectively. They may also watch for adverse side effects.
- Stabilization — Stabilization usually starts soon after the start of treatment. It begins when your withdrawal symptoms are under control and you’re no longer having strong cravings. This phase typically starts a few days after induction. Your doctor may adjust your dose to between 8 mg and 16 mg of buprenorphine per day. The goal is to find the lowest dose that effectively manages your symptoms. You’ll have regular check-ins with your provider to make sure your dose is working well.
- Maintenance — The maintenance phase begins once you’ve found the right dose to keep you stable. This phase can last for months or even years (or indefinitely in some cases), depending on your recovery plan. Many people continue taking between 8 mg and 16 mg of buprenorphine per day. You may need higher or lower doses based on your progress. This phase of treatment also involves long-term monitoring. Regular appointments with your provider can help ensure that your dose remains effective. If your situation changes, your dose can be adjusted as needed.
- Tapering — Some people may choose to gradually reduce their Suboxone dose. Reducing dosage may be part of their long-term recovery plan. This process is called tapering. Tapering should always be done under professional supervision. Your doctor can help create a tapering schedule based on your progress and comfort level. Not everyone needs to taper. Some people stay on Suboxone long-term, and that’s OK too.
Suboxone side effects
Suboxone offers many great advantages. However, it’s also important to be aware of potential side effects. Learning about the side effects can help you understand the importance of proper dosage and professional support.
Some potential side effects of taking Suboxone include:
- Headaches — Some people experience headaches when they start Suboxone. If these headaches get particularly painful or persistent, let your provider know.
- Nausea — Feeling sick to your stomach is relatively common, especially in the early stages of treatment.
- Constipation — Suboxone can slow down digestion. For some people, this leads to constipation. You can manage your constipation by drinking plenty of water and eating high-fiber foods. Your provider can also prescribe laxatives to help ease this side effect.
- Chills — Some people may experience sudden chills or shivering. This side effect is usually temporary and manageable.
- Sweating — Increased sweating, especially at night, may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Tooth decay— Using Suboxone over time can lead to tooth decay. To help prevent this, rinse your mouth with water after each use and rotate where you place the medication in your mouth.
These effects are typically most prominent during the induction phase. They may lessen over time as your condition stabilizes.
Benefits of getting Suboxone doses from a professional provider
- Greater safety — Taking the right dose of Suboxone is critical. The right dose can effectively manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and side effects. A professional provider can assess your condition. Afterward, they can prescribe the right dose to match your needs. If you take too little, you may still experience cravings or withdrawal. A provider ensures that you’re taking the right amount to stay stable.
- Continual monitoring — Suboxone treatment is a dynamic process. Your body may react differently during different stages of recovery. A professional provider will watch your progress and adjust your dose as needed. If you’re still experiencing cravings or withdrawal, your provider may increase your dose. If you’re doing well, they may lower your dose while keeping you comfortable. Regular check-ins help make sure you’re always on the right path.
- Reduced side effects — Suboxone can cause some side effects. Potential side effects range from headaches to constipation. Your provider can help reduce or manage these side effects. Without professional guidance, you may not know how to handle side effects safely. A provider can suggest ways to lower discomfort. These might include adjusting your dose or recommending supportive treatments.
- Access to support — Medication can play an essential role in recovery. Recovery is about more than managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, though. It’s also about building the life you want and deserve. A good treatment provider can offer services that go beyond medication. For example, they may offer access to support group meetings and life-goal assistance. Comprehensive support can help address the emotional, social, and practical challenges of recovery. When you get treatment from a great provider, you can get access to all the resources you need.
Get more Suboxone prescription and dosing information from Groups
Suboxone is an important tool for managing opioid use disorder. Getting the right dose is crucial for success. A professional provider will help you find the dose that works best for you. They will track your progress and make adjustments when needed. They’ll also provide the support and resources you need to overcome challenges along the way.
Groups offers personalized treatment plans. Our treatment approach includes Suboxone prescriptions. We also provide counseling and custom life-goal support to help you stay on track. If you want to learn more about OUD and how we treat it, you can explore our free online resources. We offer virtual treatment and in-person care at locations across the United States. Whether you’ve been in recovery for a long time or you’re taking your first steps, we’re here to help. At Groups, we’re committed to helping each member every step of the way on their recovery journey.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
