You might feel ready to take Suboxone to ease your withdrawal symptoms and make progress in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). But when is the right time to do it? Can you take Suboxone right away?
It’s important to know that Suboxone will interact with the opioid pain medication in your body if taken too soon. You should wait until you are in withdrawal to take Suboxone, typically between 6-72 hours after your last use, depending on the opioid. We’ll provide a few guidelines to help you begin taking Suboxone safely. Our team at Groups offers comprehensive support and Suboxone treatment.
Guidelines for safe Suboxone use
Your first question might be, “How long after using can I take Suboxone?” A few other questions to consider might be:
- “Can I go into withdrawal even after taking Suboxone?”
- “Does the specific opioid medication that I have used matter?”
- “Can I do this at home? Do I need a professional with me?”
- “Who is a reliable prescriber for Suboxone?”
- “Can I take other medication while I’m on Suboxone?”
You can find the answers to these questions through our guidelines below. Plus, you can always reach out to us for more information.
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Learn about your risk of precipitated withdrawal.
Precipitated withdrawal is a sudden, severe reaction to taking a medication like Suboxone too soon after taking opioid pain medication. It can cause a rapid onset of withdrawal symptoms like:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Aching muscles
When these symptoms begin, they can last for hours or days. You can work with a professional to plan safe medication timing, which depends on the medication you have taken, to avoid this reaction that is uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. For details about precipitated withdrawal, read this article.
This condition can occur if you replace any full-agonist opioid with buprenorphine, one of the ingredients of Suboxone, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Examples of full-agonists include fentanyl, morphine, and heroin.
To avoid precipitated withdrawal, only take Suboxone when you are moderately or fully in withdrawal from an opioid.
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Consider your opioid medication formulation.
If you have taken medication that is designed for immediate release, it may take effect more quickly and leave your body more quickly. On the other hand, extended-release medication can take more time to clear your system. Methadone, another medication used for opioid use disorder, can remain in your body as well.
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Find access to professional medical care.
Groups offers care in many states, and we’re always expanding. Plus, we offer in-person and online options, so you can work with us even if you can’t make it to one of our offices. You may be able to enter treatment at home with our outpatient care. However, inpatient care with other treatment providers is always an option.
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Arrange medication monitoring and management.
At Groups, we offer online services for medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). These begin with comprehensive evaluations, support, treatment strategizing, and safety planning for people entering or resuming treatment. You can find out more about joining Groups for Suboxone treatment here.
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Check medication interactions with Suboxone.
Some medications interact with Suboxone, so it’s important to consult a professional about them. These include opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines (a class of antianxiety medications), muscle relaxers, and some sleep aids. You can learn more in this article about Suboxone interactions. You can also check out this article about buprenorphine, one of the ingredients of Suboxone. If your medication or supplement isn’t listed, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or Suboxone prescriber to make sure that you can take it safely.
Connect with a professional
For detailed and personal advice, it’s important to consult a treatment professional with experience in opioid use disorder. A member of the team at Groups can help you plan dose timing. They can answer your questions about Suboxone, discuss dosing, and help you navigate treatment. You can learn about managing withdrawal symptoms and any bumps in the road to recovery, too.
We offer:
- Treatment in person at more than 100 offices
- Online treatment for those who aren’t near an office
- Group counseling sessions for peer support
- Assistance identifying and reaching life goals (care planning)
- Urgent care services in Indiana and Virginia
- Comprehensive resources for treatment
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.
