The use of suboxone for opioid use disorder treatment is growing because of how effective it is in curbing cravings and managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone comes in various strengths. If you have just started taking suboxone or taking it for a while, it’s natural to have questions relating to a low dose and the consequences it can have. Read on to learn some of the signs suboxone dose is too low and the action you can take when you notice them.
Determining an optimal suboxone dose without medical supervision can bring you harm. Consult ChoicePoint licensed doctors at 844.445.2565 to know if the suboxone dose suits you.
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12 Common Signs Suboxone Dose Is Too Low
A sufficient suboxone dose is essential to reap the benefits of suboxone for opioid use disorder. An insufficient suboxone dose can impede the success of your medicine-assisted opioid recovery, whether it is for oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, tramadol, or any other pain-relieving prescription opioid. That is why it is important to identify the signs indicating suboxone dose is too low so that you can take the right action at the right time. If you experience most of the following signs, then know that your suboxone dose is low:
- Excessive sweating
- Pain in joints
- Increased pulse rate
- Chills and fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Body shivering
- Depression
- Dilated yet watery eyes
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Runny Nose
Do you think you are experiencing these signs despite taking suboxone? Read on to learn what you should be doing next.
What Should You Do If Your Suboxone Dose Is Too Low?
These are the following steps you could do when you notice signs that the suboxone dose is too low:
- Don’t panic, and do not increase your dose.
- Don’t draw conclusions based on mere physical symptoms. Although these signs help indicate suboxone dose is too low, your doctor will decide for you.
- Reach out to your healthcare provider. They will measure the intensity of your signs by using COWS (The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) or any other indicator.
COWS monitors the opioid withdrawal symptoms over time. The results are then summed to determine the stage of opioid dependency. Depending on your results, doctors might or might not increase your suboxone dose.
“You shall never increase your dose on your own as it can result in suboxone overdose, which can have detrimental results. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for medicines or medicine-assisted treatment programs. A certain dose that might have worked for someone might not work for you. I’ll advise you to always stay in touch with your addiction treatment provider to avoid serious consequences.”
Jessica Plonchak, Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint Health.
“You shall never increase your dose on your own as it can result in suboxone overdose, which can have detrimental results. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for medicines or medicine-assisted treatment programs. A certain dose that might have worked for someone might not work for you. I’ll advise you to always stay in touch with your addiction treatment provider to avoid serious consequences.”
Jessica Plonchak, Executive Clinical Director at ChoicePoint Health.
Importance of Talking to Your Online Suboxone Doctor
Research suggests that around 80% of people do not open up to their doctors about their health status. Doing so can hinder your recovery and might lead to life-threatening consequences in some cases. So, don’t feel intimidated by your doctor’s questions if they ask you:
- Are you having drug cravings?
- Did you try easing your pain?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms?
- Are you thinking of going back to the drugs, or have you relapsed?
After examining your health status, your doctor might recommend an online prescription for suboxone if you need a dose change.
While assuring patients of the safe space that ChoicePoint Health is, Jessica Plonchak advises, “Always be honest and specific with your addiction professionals. Share your symptoms, the time of their onset, and their intensity without downplaying them. Your honesty will help you have maximum success with your treatment.”
While assuring patients of the safe space that ChoicePoint Health is, Jessica Plonchak advises, “Always be honest and specific with your addiction professionals. Share your symptoms, the time of their onset, and their intensity without downplaying them. Your honesty will help you have maximum success with your treatment”.
What Is An Optimal Suboxone Dose?
Suboxone dosage differs from person to person, depending on:
- Body Physiology: Your dose might vary according to weight, gender, and hormonal status.
- History of opioid use: Typically, It means the frequency of opioid intake. Whether you have just started opioids or you have been using them for years, it will help your doctor choose the right dose for you.
- Sensitivity to medications: Your dose will be recommended, considering how well you tolerate this medicine.
Your normal dose is always your personalized dosage. You cannot find your normal suboxone dose on the internet. However, we can tell you that suboxone films have the following strengths of buprenorphine/naloxone:
- 2 mg/0.5 mg = very low dose
- 4 mg/1 mg = low dose
- 8 mg/2 mg = medium dose
- 12 mg/3 mg = high dose
- 16 mg/4 mg= very high dose
Most doctors begin slowly with a very low dose of 2 mg/0/5 mg during the induction phase and then increase the dose in small increments. It allows your doctor to determine an optimal dose that will help:
- Curb cravings
- Minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Relieve the pain
- Determine treatment stage
What If You Miss The Suboxone Dose
We understand that the daily grind of work can make you forget to take your suboxone. If it happens to you, do not panic. Instead, take an informed action that will help you maintain sobriety.
Scenario | Course of action |
1: Forgot your dose | Take it as soon as you remember it |
2: It’s time for your next dose | Skip your missed dose and take the scheduled one. Never take two doses at the same time, or else it can have severe side effects. |
3: Not sure if you have taken your dose | Call your healthcare provider to know what you should do |
The following reminders can help you remember your medicine schedule:
- Use a mobile alarm
- Download a reminder app
- Make use of sticky notes
Seek ChoicePoint Health’s Help To Adjust Your Suboxone Dose and Treat Opioid Addiction
If you think you have signs indicating the suboxone dose is too low, don’t feel intimidated to discuss it right away with your healthcare provider. We are here to help you 24/7. We offer online suboxone prescriptions, making the process as comfortable as possible. You can expect to go through the following steps during our online Suboxone program:
- Assessment of your medical history
- Evaluation of opioid withdrawal symptoms
- An online prescription having the right suboxone dose
Additionally, you may be prescribed an alternative FDA-approved medication in case suboxone alone does not work for you in managing opioid use disorder. This may include:
Not sure which medication is suitable for you? Call ChoicePoint to seek help from certified Suboxone doctors 844.445.2565.
Personalized Addiction Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder
Although medications are effective in managing with treating the physical symptoms of an opioid use disorder, managing the physical symptoms is just the first step of addiction treatment. Attaining lifelong sobriety requires treating the underlying cause of the addiction, overcoming the mental health issues if present, and preventing an overlap. A dual diagnosis and addiction therapies can help you achieve these. Some of the addiction therapies offered at ChoicePoint Health are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
Please feel free to reach out to us if you or your loved one needs help recovering from opioid addiction. Hear what April has to say about ChoicePoint Health’s treatment for opioids:
“I had a family member that completed an opioid addiction treatment program, and the staff was wonderful and supportive of their recovery- I highly recommend it.”
I had a family member that completed an opioid addiction treatment program, and the staff was wonderful and supportive of their recovery- I highly recommend it.
Answering What People Have Been about Asking Signs Suboxone Dose Is Too Low
We have been receiving various queries relating to suboxone treatment. Here are the most asked questions:
How Long Does Suboxone Take To Dissolve?
Suboxone can take up to 24 hours to dissolve and have an impact.
Does A Higher Suboxone Dose Show Up On Drug Tests?
No. Opioid screening looks for two metabolites -morphine and 6-acetylmorphine. Buprenorphine does not break down into either of these metabolites. Therefore, suboxone will only show up on a drug test if the panel specifically tests for Buprenorphine or its metabolites or Naloxone.
Is There Any Risk Of Suboxone Misuse?
Yes. Buprenorphine is classified as a Schedule III drug, so there is a chance of moderate suboxone misuse. To minimize the risk, always take suboxone under medical supervision.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Suboxone Overdose?
To make up for the missed dose, people often take two dosages at once, which can lead to a suboxone overdose. Here are a few signs of a suboxone overdose:
- Respiratory issues
- Low blood pressure
- Numbness
- Slow heart rate
In extreme cases, a suboxone overdose can cause death. So, never self-medicate.
How Is Suboxone Taken?
Suboxone comes in two forms: oral tablet and oral film. Suboxone is dissolved under the tongue during the induction phase. During maintenance, suboxone should be dissolved under the tongue or between the gums and cheeks.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.