We are currently accepting new patients for our full continuum of care and comprehensive treatment programs. Please note that we are no longer accepting patients seeking Suboxone treatment only, and we do not accept Medicaid or Medicare insurance plans at this time. Contact us to learn more about our treatment options.
How to take suboxone strips the right way? It is the commonly asked question by suboxone users, especially if they have just started taking it. Suboxone strips are used to treat opioid withdrawal and cravings. Keep on reading this blog, we have covered comprehensive information about Suboxone dosage, administration, precautions, and a step-by-step guide to take suboxone the right way so that its effectiveness is not compromised.
At ChoicePoint, we offer a same-day suboxone prescription for opioid use disorder. Call us or fill out an online form to schedule an appointment.
Table of Contents
Highlights
- Suboxone strips are used to treat opioid addiction. Having buprenorphine and naloxone as main ingredients, they help to reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings
- They are administered sublingually or buccally.
- Taking suboxone involves: mouth preparation, package opening, placement, dissolution, and absorption.
- You can get Suboxone strips from ChoicePoint doctors who can prescribe suboxone, pharmacies that fill suboxone, or you can buy suboxone strips online.
What Are Suboxone Strips? What Are They Used For?
Suboxone strips, also known as Suboxone films, are an FDA-approved form of Suboxone used for the treatment of opioid addiction.1 Its active ingredients are buprenorphine and naloxone. They come in strips that get easily dissolved when administered:
- Sublingually (Under the tongue)
- Buccally (Placed the cheeks and gums)
Suboxone strips are mainly used for:
- Withdrawal management
- Reducing cravings
- Preventing relapse
- Maintaining long-term recovery
What Is The Right Dosage Of Suboxone Strips?
According to Jessica Plonchack (Executive Clinical Director), Suboxone has 4 different strengths and dosages. Patients are prescribed strengths and dosages according to the severity of their symptoms and treatment goals. These doses of suboxone are:
- 2 mg buprenorphine / 0.5 mg naloxone
- 4 mg buprenorphine / 1 mg naloxone
- 8 mg buprenorphine / 2 mg naloxone
- 12 mg buprenorphine / 3 mg naloxone
How Long Does It Take For A Suboxone Strip To Dissolve And Take Effect?
A suboxone strip usually takes 5-15 minutes to dissolve completely under the tongue or in the cheeks. The dissolving time also depends on the saliva production. Dry mouth will take longer to dissolve the strip. Suboxone strip will start showing its effect 20-30 minutes after it is completely dissolved. It shows the peak effect after 1-3 hours. 2
What is the Right Time to take Suboxone Strips?
Start taking suboxone strips after you experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. It is best to wait 12-24 hours after the last opioid dose. If your dose is stabilized, the ideal time is once in the morning. The doctors recommend taking suboxone at the same time every day.
Why Need to Consult A Suboxone Doctor
How To Take Suboxone Strips the Right Way? A Step-By-Step Guide
“How do you take suboxone strips the right way?” is the question that comes to your mind when you think of taking suboxone strips. Below is the step-by-step guide to taking suboxone the right way:
| Steps | Action | Sublingual Administration | Buccal Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Mouth preparation | Take some water to moisten your mouth before suboxone administration. Do not eat or drink. | Take some water to moisten your mouth before suboxone administration. Do not eat or drink. |
| Step 2 | Package opening | Open the strip with clean hands. | Open the strip with clean hands. |
| Step 3 | Strip placement | Place the suboxone strip under your tongue. Ensure your mouth is moistened before administration. | Place the suboxone strip inside your cheek. |
| Step 4 | Let it dissolve | Wait for 15 minutes to dissolve it completely. Don't chew or swallow the strip. | Wait for 15 minutes to dissolve it completely. Don't chew or swallow the strip. |
| Step 5 | Absorption | Once it is completely dissolved, wait for at least 15 minutes before eating or drinking anything to ensure effective absorption. | Once it is completely dissolved, wait for at least 15 minutes before eating or drinking anything to ensure effective absorption. |
For Your Information
If you miss a Suboxone dose, you can take the medication when you remember, but never take two doses at the same time without a doctor's prescription.
7 Mistakes To Avoid When Taking Suboxone Strips
- Swallowing Strip Too Early
- Eating or Drinking Before it Dissolves
- Taking More than Prescribed Dosage
- Avoid Certain Medications and Alcohol
- Missing the doses
- Dry mouth
- Do not smoke suboxone strips
4 Tips to Store Suboxone Strips Safely
Proper storage of Suboxone strips is important to maintain their potency and integrity. Keep these tips in mind while storing them:
- Keep the suboxone strips in their original labelled container.
- Always store the strips at room temperature.
- Store Suboxone strips in a cool and dry place, away from moisture.
- After use, do not flush the suboxone strips. Use a disposable bag to dispose of them.
ChoicePoint outpatient Suboxone doctors can help you with a suboxone prescription. Call 844.445.2565 to get an appointment.
Who Should Be Cautious While Taking Suboxone Strips?
Once you have got the answer to ‘How to take Suboxone strips the right way’, you should be careful about who should avoid taking Suboxone strips. According to Jessica Plonchak (Executive Clinical Director), the following individuals should avoid taking Suboxone strips:
- Asthma patients: Suboxone can cause breathing failure.
- Alcohol users: Alcohol and Suboxone are both depressants.
- People with sleep apnea: Suboxone can cause respiratory depression.
- Individuals with kidney and liver issues: Suboxone can worsen the conditions.
- Pregnant women: Suboxone can affect the health of the fetus.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
5 Expert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Suboxone Treatment Experience
1. Avoid Suboxone Interactions
Suboxone interacts with different substances, and they exacerbate each other’s detrimental effects. The following interactions should be avoided:
| Expert Recommended Read
What medications can you not take with suboxone: a quick guide |
2. Follow the Rule of 15 for Suboxone
According to the Rule of 15 for suboxone, you should wait for 15 hours after the last dose of opioids. After 15 hours, take a small dose of Suboxone and wait for 15 minutes to see how you feel. This helps to reduce the sudden risk of withdrawal.
3. Keep The Same Dosage Schedule For Each Day
It is recommended to take suboxone at the same time every day. This allows you to prevent withdrawal symptoms and also helps to keep a uniform concentration of suboxone in your body.
4. Keep A Track Of Your Doses
Take your Suboxone strips as directed by your doctor’s prescription. Increasing or decreasing the dosage without a suboxone doctor’s knowledge can be extremely dangerous. If you experience any side effects, please contact your doctor or a local pharmacist.
5. Consult Your Suboxone Doctor
Always consult your doctor for a suboxone prescription. Follow your doctor’s instructions religiously so that you can get the most out of suboxone strips. Suboxone comes with side effects; not following the proper prescription can be dangerous. If you experience any side effects, you can get help from online suboxone doctors that accept Medicaid.
Ask an Expert!
Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint
Can you swallow Suboxone strips?Suboxone strips are designed to be administered sublingually or buccally. When you swallow the suboxone strip, instead of being absorbed through the saliva, it reaches the digestive system, reducing the effectiveness of the medication, leading to suboxone withdrawal.
Why Do I Sweat When I Drink Alcohol?
Alcohol leads to changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate after a few drinks, making you sweat.
Why Choose MAT Featuring Suboxone? 5 Benefits Of the ChoicePoint Suboxone MAT Program
ChoicePoint MAT suboxone program helps against:
- Opioid use disorder
- Opioid addiction and cravings
- Management of withdrawal symptoms
- Heroin addiction
- Relapse
Suboxone treatment, when combined with therapy and medical counseling, helps in long-term recovery. Our therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
Where Can You Get Suboxone Strips From?
Here is how you can obtain Suboxone strips:
Our strategy to treat opioid addiction includes integrated care, customized treatment plans, and therapies with support and care. Call us 844.445.2565 to get help today!
Read How ChoicePoint Clients Trust Our Addiction Treatment Services
“ChoicePoint gave me my life back. Suboxone treatment plan has worked wonders for me. I would highly recommend them.” A satisfied client
Bottom Line
How to take suboxone strips? Always take suboxone strips according to your doctor’s directions. ChoicePoint has DEA-certified doctors who provide the best possible support and care. To schedule an appointment with our online suboxone doctors, call 844.445.2565.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Take Suboxone Strips
Here is what we are often asked about the right way of taking Suboxone:
1. How many suboxone strips can you take per day?
Your Suboxone doctor will tell you the suboxone dose you should take every day. Multiple refills are not recommended in the early phase of the treatment.
2. What to avoid with suboxone strips?
You should avoid taking suboxone with benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids, fluconazole, methadone, adderall, and Xanax. Mixing suboxone with other substances can increase the side effects of both substances.
3. How many times a day can you take suboxone strips?
It is usually recommended to take suboxone once a day and follow the same schedule every day. You should never take Suboxone more than the recommended dose by your Suboxone doctor. This can cause addiction.
4. What is the cost of suboxone strips?
Suboxone strips range from $130-$600. ChoicePoint offers insurance-covered suboxone prescriptions. We are in-network with major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, United Healthcare, and other insurance providers.
Additional Resources
- Online Blue Cross Blue Shield Suboxone Doctors
- Suboxone Doctors That Take United Healthcare
- Pharmacies that Fill Suboxone Near Me
- Why Should I Visit Suboxone Doctors in Bergen County, NJ?
- Who Can Prescribe Suboxone Near You?
- Suboxone Round Orange Pill
- Suboxone Pink Pill
- Your Guide To Suboxone Treatment
- Finding a Facility for Suboxone Treatment and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in NJ
- How to Take Suboxone Film?
- Top 3 Ways to Find an Emergency Suboxone Clinic Near Me
- How to Get Suboxone? 3 Tips to Get a Same-day Prescription
- Suboxone Doctors in NJ
- Online Suboxone Doctors
Sources
- Heidbreder C, Fudala PJ, Greenwald MK. History of the discovery, development, and FDA-approval of buprenorphine medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Drug and alcohol dependence reports. 2023 Mar 1;6:100133.
- American Addiction Center. (n.d). How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System? https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone/how-long-in-system
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