Should You Take Suboxone Strips or Suboxone Pills?

Suboxone is a very effective treatment for opioid use disorder that helps to increase abstinence rates while reducing opioid use and cravings. Over half of its users prevent relapse or opioid overdose by abstaining from opioid abuse. Although generic Suboxone (a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone®) usually comes in a film formulation (Suboxone strips). It is also available in tablet form (Suboxone pills). We are here to help you decide whether to take Suboxone strips or Suboxone pills. Keep reading and find out! 

Get Online Prescription Now

Suboxone Strips VS Suboxone Pills: Forms and Potencies

Suboxone is an oral medication that comes in the following forms:

• Sublingual Suboxone pills
• Sublingual Suboxone strips
• Buccal Suboxone film strips

The sublingual Suboxone tablets and strips are placed underneath the tongue and dissolve quickly in the mouth. On the other hand, the buccal Suboxone film strips are placed between your teeth and gums. 

They are available in the following strengths:

• 2 mg buprenorphine and 0.5 mg naloxone
• 4 mg buprenorphine and 1 mg naloxone
• 8 mg buprenorphine and 2 mg naloxone
• 12 mg buprenorphine and 3 mg naloxone

Suboxone Strips or Suboxone Pills: Do Suboxone Pills Work Better Than Strips?

Suboxone pills and Suboxone strips are both effective treatments for Opioid Withdrawal symptoms. They are equally effective but differ slightly in terms of Naloxone® exposure, keep in mind that Suboxone® is a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone®. Suboxone strips absorb better in the mouth, which may result in more Naloxone exposure. However, some doctors may recommend the pill version to reduce the amount of Naloxone® the patient is exposed to. Most patients frequently state that they prefer the taste of one over the other, but this preference is often highly individualized. If you dislike the strips, pills might be a better option. 

Our Verdict; Is Suboxone film better than a tablet?

Here is what we have to say…

• Suboxone films and Suboxone strip formulations are equally effective in treating opioid cravings and withdrawal and preventing overdose and death. 
• Suboxone pills may be less expensive than Suboxone strips in some states, which is especially important for patients who pay for their medication out of pocket. 
• Suboxone strips and Suboxone pills produce similar results in the end. 
• Whether you and your doctor decide on Suboxone strips or Suboxone tablets, both have evidence and research to support that they work: Suboxone® may reduce the risk of relapse, overdose, and cravings.

Our final verdict is that you should seek a Suboxone clinic near you and start your recovery as soon as possible! ChoicePoint is a co-occurring addiction treatment rehab that offers same-day Suboxone prescription. You may schedule an in-person or a virtual appointment with DEA-certified addiction specialists by calling 844.445.2565. 

Patient Information for SUBOXONE®

Suboxone Film vs. Suboxone Tablets: How Do You Take Them?

It is critical to follow instructions whether you take Suboxone pills or Suboxone strips. They will tell you exactly how to take Suboxone. However, Suboxone films/strips dissolve faster than Suboxone tablets/pills; both should be held under the tongue for at least 5 minutes.

How to Use Suboxone Film

Here are the proper steps to take Suboxone film:

1. Wash your hands
2. Remove the strip from the protective packaging.
3. Drink water before taking the Suboxone strip
4. Place the film under your tongue.
5. Wait until the strip is completely dissolved. It generally takes less than 5 minutes.

How to Use Suboxone Pills

Here is how you should take Suboxone pills: 

1. Wash your hands and place the Suboxone pill under your tongue
2. Wait until the pill is completely dissolved. 
3. Do not cut, granulate, chew, or swallow the Suboxone tablet.
4. Place the Suboxone tablet beneath the tongue and keep it there until completely dissolved. This generally takes less than 5 minutes.
5. Only eat or drink something once the tablets are completely dissolved.

What Is the Suboxone Spit Trick?

Suboxone pills may leave a chalky residue in your mouth after it dissolves. Most patients do not like the residual taste. It is advised that they may either swallow this residue or spit it out if it bothers their stomach. 

We Accept All Insurance Programs

Effectiveness of Suboxone Strips and Suboxone Pills for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

How effective is Suboxone when it’s used to treat opioid dependence? In research attempting to compare Buprenorphine to a placebo, 100% of those dropped out, whereas 75% of those on Suboxone continued with treatment. The more time you spend in treatment, the more you may learn to avoid relapse. Suboxone alone may not fully treat your opioid use disorder; addiction therapies such as CBT and DBT are designed to help you easy transition into a sober lifestyle. 

Suboxone® lets you focus on your recovery journey and make real progress without worrying about opioid withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Believe it or not, it can have a significant impact as Suboxone is an FDA-approved MAT medication that reduces the risk of an overdose and other adverse outcomes. 

Finding Medication-Assisted Treatment?- Choose ChoicePoint

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) aims to provide therapeutic tools and a safety net to help you avoid a relapse. Our DEA-certified addiction specialists at ChoicePoint have access to a wide range of FDA-approved and safe medications that may be incorporated into your treatment plan, including Suboxone strips. 

ChoicePoint provides Suboxone®, Subutex®, and Buprenorphine as part of their MAT program. You may also get a same-day Suboxone prescription from us. Call us at 844.445.2565 and schedule an in-person or Telehealth appointment with our DEA-certified doctors. 

Start Your Journey Towards Recovery!