Learn about the best time to start taking Suboxone after opioid use.
Before you start Suboxone as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, there are some things you should know. Taking Suboxone after long-acting opioids can impact the way you absorb the medication. Generally, you will need to wait at least 12 to 24 hours after opioid use to begin treating withdrawal symptoms with Suboxone.
The body absorbs short-acting opioids like heroin and long-acting opioids like oxycodone differently. They determine how much time you need to wait until you begin taking Suboxone to treat withdrawal symptoms. Always be honest with your medical provider about which drugs you have been using to prevent complications during treatment. They will give you the best guidance regarding when to take Suboxone after opioid use.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication used to help those with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is a dissolvable film medication comprised of a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Patients taking Suboxone for OUD can dispense the medication at home due to its low risk of misuse.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Buprenorphine occupies the brain’s opioid receptors to relieve or eliminate debilitating opioid withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone, the opioid antagonist, is added to deter misuse of buprenorphine and the medication itself.
Together, these two active ingredients make Suboxone treatment a safe and effective method for those in recovery from opioid addiction. Many opioid recovery centers offer both Suboxone and methadone for those looking for opioid addiction help. Providers will collaborate with patients to personalized their MAT treatment based on their body’s response to medication.
Some Suboxone side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Burning sensation in the mouth
Most of these side effects only last several days or weeks after starting the medication. Patients regularly check in with their medical providers to monitor severe or pressing symptoms. Click here to learn more about other potential Suboxone side effects that are less common.
Why Do I Have to Wait to Take Suboxone After Long-Acting Opioids?
Understanding when to start Suboxone after opioid use depends on whether you’ve taken a short-acting or long-acting opioid. Therefore, you may not need to wait as long to begin treatment with Suboxone. However, long-acting opioids like morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl take longer to dissipate. Your provider may require you to wait up to 48 hours or longer before using Suboxone.
The risks of starting Suboxone too soon, while not life-threatening, can be painful and unnecessary. Waiting a period of time before taking Suboxone is crucial. If you begin using the medication before experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, you may experience precipitated withdrawal. This occurs when there are too many active opioids in your body while ingesting buprenorphine.
Avoiding Precipitated Withdrawal When Taking Suboxone After Long-Acting Opioids
Precipitated withdrawal occurs when specific medications — including Naloxone — lead to sudden and severe physical or psychological reactions. Whereas spontaneous withdrawal is gradual, precipitated withdrawal happens quickly.
Symptoms of precipitated withdrawal can last for hours or a day, and they can include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Headaches
The length of precipitated withdrawal symptoms may depend on several factors. Usually, a patient’s history of opioid use and general health are the most significant factors. Although precipitated withdrawal is highly uncomfortable, it is very rarely fatal.
Contact BAART Programs for Safe Treatment of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are experiencing precipitated opioid withdrawal, reach out to your doctor immediately to discuss treatment options. Even if Suboxone or buprenorphine caused your precipitated withdrawal symptoms, it might also be able to reverse them.
You are never alone on your journey to recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). Our nationwide team at BAART Programs has empowered thousands of individuals to find their unique road to recovery through medication-assisted treatment. Combined with counseling and other forms of personalized care, MAT has been saving lives for more than 40 years.
Whether you have questions about withdrawal symptoms or are ready to begin the road to recovery, contact us. Start by finding one of our nearest medication-assisted treatment clinics and call or message us today.
FAQs About Taking Suboxone After Long-Acting Opioids
If you are considering Suboxone treatment programs for OUD, rest assured that nearly any question you have will have an answer. The specialized medical providers and healthcare staff at BAART Programs will walk you through everything you need to know. Here are some of the most common questions asked about taking Suboxone after long-acting opioids.
Q: When can I start taking Suboxone?
A: You cannot begin taking the medication until you are experiencing acute signs of opioid withdrawal. Otherwise, you will experience precipitated withdrawal, which is more severe.
Q: How is withdrawal measured?
A: Medical staff follow an opioid withdrawal timeline measured by COWS or clinical opiate withdrawal scale. You should be at a score of seventeen or higher before taking your first dose of Suboxone.
Q: Where will I take my first dose of Suboxone?
A: You can fill your Suboxone script at any pharmacy of your choice and begin the medication at home. However, some patients prefer an in-office induction. Discuss your first dose with your medical provider to determine what is best for you.
Q: What determines my Suboxone dose?
A: Your medical provider will determine which dose is best for you, depending on your previous opioid use. After your first induction, you can gauge whether the dose needs to be tweaked.
Q: How often should I see my doctor?
A: During your first month of Suboxone treatment, you may need to see your provider once a week. As you adjust to the medication, you will probably meet less frequently. Many patients “check in” once a month for prescription renewals.
Do not hesitate to call the nearest BAART Program treatment center to ask additional questions you may have about Suboxone. Our non-judgmental and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you make an informed decision.
