Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) combination is an FDA-approved medication for opioid dependence treatment. The daily recommended dosage for Suboxone is 16 mg/ 4 mg, with 24 mg/ 4 mg being the highest dose.
However, this dose is dependent on a variety of factors such as:
- Patients’ response to the treatment
- Withdrawal and treatment phase
- Individual factors like pregnancy, age, metabolism, etc.
Through this guide, we explain different suboxone strengths and dosages and signs that your dosage is working for you.
ChoicePoint online Suboxone doctors can help with adjusting your Suboxone dosage through discreet online consultations. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment.
Table of Contents
What is Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)? An Overview
Suboxone is a prescription medication (controlled substance) approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence. Its off-label use also involves pain management and Kratom withdrawal management.
Suboxone consists of two active ingredients, Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Buprenorphine is partially bound to opioid receptors to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings. Whereas, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and prevents drug misuse. Together, these ingredients make Suboxone a preferred choice among users as it:
- Improves treatment outcomes
- Reduces the risk of relapse
- Ease uncomfortable withdrawal
- Helps the patient commit to the treatment
- Controls frequent drug urges
Category |
Details |
| Generic Name | Buprenorphine and Naloxone |
| Brand Name | Suboxone |
| Formulation | Sublingual film, sublingual tablet |
| Primary Use | Treat Opioid Dependence |
| Mechanism of Action | Partial opioid agonist |
| Dosage Range | 4–24 mg/day |
| Onset of Action | 30–60 minutes |
| Peak Effect | 1–4 hours |
| How Long Does Suboxone Block Opioids? | 24–60 hours |
| How Long Does Suboxone Stay in the System? | Up to 3 days |
| Common Side Effects | Feeling tired when starting Suboxone, Headache, nausea, constipation, insomnia, sweating, anxiety |
| Serious Side Effects | Respiratory depression (rare), liver damage, allergic reactions |
| Pregnancy Category | Category C (use only if benefits outweigh risks) |
What Are the Available Dosages for Suboxone? (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)
Jessica Plonchak says that Suboxone has different strengths and doses to help patients receive the correct doses according to their treatment goals and withdrawal phase.
Suboxone is available in two forms, sublingual film and round orange Suboxone tablets. The available strength and dosage of both are as follows:
Sublingual Film/Strip Dosage
4 different doses of suboxone sublingual film are available:
- 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
Sublingual Tablet Dosage
2 different Suboxone sublingual pills are available:
- 2 mg buprenorphine / 0.5 mg naloxone
- 8 mg buprenorphine / 2 mg naloxone
Information Corner
What is the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS)?The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is a clinical tool used to measure the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms. It is commonly used to assess withdrawal and make treatment decisions, such as when to initiate medications. The score is as follows:
|
Ways to Get Same-day Suboxone Prescription
What Are the Different Suboxone Strips and Pills Strength Used For?
Different strengths of Suboxone strips and tablets are available according to the symptoms. These are as follows:
A. Suboxone Film/Strip 2 mg/ 0.5 mg (Lowest Dose of Suboxone)
Uses
Suboxone 2mg/ 0.5 mg is usually the lowest dose of Suboxone to check the patient’s response to the treatment and is used as the initial starting dose. This dosage is administered when the patient is in early withdrawal (COWs score 8-12).
How to Take Suboxone Film?
Take Suboxone film by placing it under the tongue and waiting for it to dissolve. Do not chew or split the film. It is advised not to drink or eat until the medication has fully dissolved.
B. Suboxone Film 4 mg/ 1 mg
Uses
This dosage is often used during the induction phase if the patient requires a slightly higher dose after the initial 2 mg / 0.5 mg. It helps to stabilize withdrawal symptoms in the early stages.
How to Take Suboxone Film?
Place the film under the tongue. Let it fully dissolve without chewing or swallowing. Avoid eating or drinking until the film has completely dissolved.
C. Suboxone Film 8 mg / 2 mg
Uses
This is a common maintenance dose used after the patient is stabilized. It helps control cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms during long-term treatment.
Method of Administration
Place the film under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not cut, chew, or swallow the film. Wait until fully dissolved before consuming any food or drink.
D. Suboxone Film 12 mg / 3 mg
Uses
Prescribed for patients requiring a higher maintenance dose to manage ongoing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Often used when lower doses are not sufficient.
Method of Administration
Place the film under the tongue. Do not chew or split. Wait until it dissolves fully before eating or drinking anything.
E. Suboxone Tablet 8 mg / 2 mg
Uses
Suboxone 8 mg/ 2 mg dose is a common maintenance dose, used once the patient has been stabilized. Helps manage long-term cravings and maintain recovery.
Method of Administration
Place the tablet under the tongue and wait for complete dissolution. Do not chew, break, or swallow the tablet. Avoid food or drink until it has fully dissolved.
| Expert Recommended Reads |
Suboxone Dosage Chart According to OUD Treatment Phase and Withdrawal
Suboxone dosage depends on the stage of recovery, the individual’s history with opioid use, and how your body reacts to the medication.
A simple dose chart is as follows:
| Treatment Phase | Timing | Dosage Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Dosage / First Day Suboxone Dose | Day 1: When a patient is in moderate opioid withdrawal (COWS ≥ 8–12) | Start with 2–4 mg Buprenorphine / 0.5–1 mg Naloxone. Adjust up to 8 mg as needed. |
| Day 2 | Up to 16 mg Buprenorphine / 4 mg Naloxone based on symptom response. | |
| Stabilization Dosage | Days 3–7 | 12–16 mg/day based on control of cravings, withdrawal, and side effects. |
| Maintenance Dosage | After 1st week (long-term use) | 8–24 mg Buprenorphine daily. 16 mg / 4 mg is most common. |
| Tapering Dosage | After stabilization | Gradual reduction by 2 mg every 1–2 weeks to prevent Suboxone withdrawal. |