Suboxone is the brand name for one of several medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The daily dose of Suboxone can range from 4 mg/1 mg to 24 mg/6 mg. However, it depends on the person’s symptoms and how they’ve progressed through their treatment program. Groups is a leading OUD treatment provider that prescribes Suboxone. In this article, we’ll provide a clinical breakdown of what’s in this medication and how it’s prescribed.
What’s in Suboxone?
Suboxone is made up of two different drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a part natural and part lab-created opioid. It attaches to the same receptor in the brain that opioids attach to (the mu opioid receptor or MOR). By partially blocking this receptor, it helps to lessen withdrawal effects, such as cravings.
However, the effects of buprenorphine have a ceiling. Beyond a certain point, taking more doesn’t increase the effects.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist or blocker. This means it works to counteract the effects of opioids. It can reduce the potential for opioid misuse and block other medical effects of opioid use, like slow or shallow breathing. It’s combined with buprenorphine to lower the possibility of misuse. Together, these two substances help reduce cravings without making a person feel “high.”
What is the highest daily dose of Suboxone?
For everyday maintenance, a person’s Suboxone dose typically ranges from 4 mg/1 mg to 24 mg/6 mg. As mentioned earlier, the highest dose of Suboxone recommended is 24 mg/6 mg (buprenorphine/naloxone). People in OUD treatment typically take Suboxone once a day. However, it may be administered in divided doses initially. For instance, a person may receive two smaller doses that equal 8 mg/2 mg on Day 1 to help their body get used to the medication. Afterward, they’ll take a single dose of the recommended strength for them.
Suboxone sublingual film is available in the following 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
The provider follows specific prescribing instructions, which can vary from person to person. The prescribed dosage depends on whether you’re dependent on short-acting opioids, long-acting opioids, or methadone. Other health factors may also affect your prescription.
Please note: This information is current at the time of this article (2025). Suboxone dosing information may change in the future.
Things your provider should know about your health
Before taking Suboxone, your provider will take a detailed medical history. Note that you may still be able to take Suboxone if you’re pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, but it’s not a first-line therapy option for pregnant people. A small amount of this medicine can pass through to the baby through breast/chest milk, so be sure to discuss feeding options with your provider. Before prescribing this medication, they may also need to know if you have any of the following:
- Addison’s disease
- Adrenal gland or thyroid issues
- Alcoholism
- Brain or head injury
- Difficulty urinating
- Enlarged prostate
- Liver, kidney, or gallbladder issues
- Lung or breathing issues
- Mental health disorders
- Dental problems
How to take Suboxone
Suboxone comes as a sublingual film, which is different from a regular pill. To administer it correctly, you have to let it dissolve in a specific area inside your mouth. It takes about five to 10 minutes to dissolve. Your provider will let you know when to take it. Here are some tips for taking this type of oral OUD medication:
- Place it close to the base of your tongue on either the left or right side.
- Alternatively, you can place it on the inside of the left or right cheek.
- Wait for it to dissolve completely.
- The film should be taken whole — avoid cutting, chewing, or swallowing it.
- If you need to take two films to achieve the right dose, place them on opposite sides of your tongue or place one inside each cheek.
- If you forget, simply take it as soon as you remember (as long as it’s not too close to your next dosage time).
Sometimes it helps to drink a glass of water before taking Suboxone, so it can dissolve easily. Afterward, take a sip of water and gently swish around your teeth and gums. You’ll need to wait about an hour after taking Suboxone before brushing your teeth.
Keep in mind that Suboxone is recommended to take as part of a well-balanced treatment plan. This usually involves group counseling, behavioral therapy, and other types of support to help you reach your recovery goals.
Receive comprehensive OUD care at Groups
Groups prescribes Suboxone online and in person, so our members can get the treatment they need in a way that’s most convenient for them. Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
