Can You Take Subutex and Suboxone at the Same Time?

No, Subutex and Suboxone are usually not taken simultaneously because their primary ingredient, i.e., buprenorphine, is the same. Usually, a healthcare provider will prescribe either of the two medications. Taking Subutex and Suboxone together would mean taking two doses of buprenorphine at once, which makes no sense. Secondly, no practitioner will recommend taking two doses of buprenorphine at once for safety purposes. There are some straightforward reasons why the answer to “Can you take Subutex and Suboxone at the same time” is no.

Call 844.445.2565 to speak directly with a specialist about switching your meds. You can also visit our rehab center in New Jersey.

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Difference Between Subutex and Suboxone

Subutex is a brand name for the opioid agonist buprenorphine. Buprenorphine mimics the effects of full opioids like heroin without causing the same rush and euphoria. 

Suboxone, on the other hand, contains buprenorphine and naloxone. When taken sublingually, naloxone is not active. However, it is added to buprenorphine to discourage misuse. If someone tries to inject it into the veins, naloxone in Suboxone will cause precipitated withdrawal. 

Call 844.445.2565 to get a prescription for buprenorphine products. Fill out this form to schedule a callback. 

Why Can You Not Take Subutex and Suboxone at the Same Time?

It is important to note that both Subutex and Suboxone are prescription medications. They can only be prescribed by healthcare providers with a DEA registration and are authorized to write prescriptions for controlled substances. Therefore, it is not the choice of an individual to take medications on their will, and doctors will not prescribe the two together. Here’s why:

Understanding Subutex and Suboxone Dosages

When it comes to opioid addiction treatment, medications like Subutex and Suboxone need to be personalized in terms of dosages. There is a limit on the lowest to highest dose administered to patients suffering from opioid use disorder, with the lowest being 2 mg and the highest being 24 mg. The FDA has certain guidelines on prescribing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). 

• Subutex sublingual is administered as a single dose
• The dose for the first two days of detox can be high
• On day three, Subutex should be transitioned to Suboxone (implying that the two are not taken together)
• Subutex is only administered longer in cases where Suboxone is not well-tolerated due to naloxone’s presence. 

Doses higher than 24 mg for either MOUD are not prescribed as they have not demonstrated any clinical efficacy. 

Do you need to talk to a Subutex or Suboxone doctor in New Jersey? Call 844.445.2565 or schedule a callback. We accept most state and private insurance. Verify your insurance here. 

Dangers of Mixing MOUD

The FDA has approved a total of three medications for the treatment of OUD: buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone. None of the MOUDs are taken at the same time. Since these are not prescribed together, getting them illegally is very dangerous.

• You never know if the medications are safe
• Taking the two together can result in exacerbation of side effects
• One may develop buprenorphine dependence

Call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form for appropriate guidance on medication for OUD. Taking prescription drugs without consultation is not a good idea. 

Risk of Overdose

People with OUD are at risk of relapsing. If someone takes Subutex and Suboxone together and relapses, the risk of overdose increases. Since there is always a relapse risk, single-ingredient buprenorphine (Subutex) is often not prescribed without constant monitoring. 

Brixadi (Injectable Buprenorphine) Is Now Available At ChoicePoint NJ Rehab!

Safety of Subutex and Suboxone

Subutex and Suboxone are usually very well-tolerated. However, since those with OUD can always relapse, the medications are given with caution. Some facts About Buprenorphine:

• Getting addicted to buprenorphine is not possible
• When you take MOUD as prescribed, the risk of dependence is very low
• The risk of overdose is also very low when taken according to the instructions
• Misusing prescription drugs can result in more restrictions on life-saving drugs. It is important to discourage misuse.

For a same-day prescription, call 844.445.2565. To schedule a callback, fill out this form. Our comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) also involves psychotherapies to ensure holistic recovery. 

Getting Safe Medication-Assisted Treatment

The struggle with opioid use disorder is never easy. It may feel like you will never overcome it. Many people have overcome it, and you can do it too. The treatment at most facilities, including ChoicePoint, goes like this:

• Rapid Detox
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Counseling and therapy
• Extended care (aftercare, referral to nursing homes)

You can get any type of care within the following levels of care:

• Inpatient care
• Partial Care (PHP/HIOP)
• Intensive Outpatient Care (IOP)
• Virtual care (excluding detox)

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More Information on Subutex and Suboxone

Subutex and Suboxone are two life-saving medications. However, some concerns need to be addressed. 

How Does Switching From Subutex to Suboxone Feel Like?

Switching from Subutex and Suboxone does not feel very different because the primary ingredient of both medications is the same.

Can I Take Suboxone with Opioids in My System?

It is not advised to take Suboxone if opioids are still in your system. Wait for withdrawal to happen because if Suboxone or Subutex are taken early, it can cause intense precipitate withdrawals, which are difficult to deal with. Talking to your doctor is the best option if you think you have relapsed. 

How Long Do You Have to Wait to Take Suboxone After Taking Subutex?

Suboxone and Subutex will not be prescribed together. However, you should wait 12 to 24 hours between two doses of Suboxone. Contact your healthcare provider to understand the timing of taking medications better. 

Is Suboxone the Same as Buprenorphine?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. In oral Suboxone, naloxone is not active. However, it is combined with buprenorphine to discourage injecting it into the veins. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, naloxone will instantly precipitate withdrawals. 

Why Would a Doctor Prescribe Subutex Instead of Suboxone?

Subutex is prescribed during the initial phases of opioid treatment. It is usually not prescribed for long-term use. However, it may be recommended if someone has a reaction to Suboxone or in cases of severe withdrawal. 

What Happens if You Take Buprenorphine With Naloxone?

Naloxone will cancel out the effects of buprenorphine. This is because naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it reverses the effects of full or partial opioids. 

What Can You Not Mix Suboxone With?

Suboxone is not to be mixed with other depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives. 

Sources

1. 1. Authors, Tingley, K., & Mierzwinski-Urban, M. (2023). Buprenorphine-Naloxone Film Versus Tablets for Opioid Use Disorder: CADTH Health Technology Review. In PubMed. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599974/#:~:text=BUP%2DNAL%2C%20commonly%20known%20as
   2. Research, C. for D. E. and. (2024). Primary Care Providers Can Prescribe with Confidence. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/prescribe-confidence/primary-care-providers-can-prescribe-confidence#:~:text=Physicians%2C%20physician%20assistants%2C%20and%20nurse
   3. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. (n.d.) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/020732s024lbl.pdf
   4. Research, C. for D. E. and. (2024). Primary Care Providers Can Prescribe with Confidence. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/prescribe-confidence/primary-care-providers-can-prescribe-confidence#:~:text=The%20FDA%20has%20approved%20three