Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a life-saving medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Thanks to the elimination of the X waiver, more doctors can prescribe buprenorphine than ever before—and you can receive a prescription in-person or virtually through an online Suboxone doctor.
When Suboxone therapy begins, you’ve likely had many conversations about what will happen and what you should do. Follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Everyone’s first day on Suboxone is a little different, but in general, the first day is about finding the right Suboxone dose. Prepare to spend most of the day observing how you feel after your first dose and discussing dose adjustments with your doctor.
Once you and your doctor have determined that you will start taking Suboxone for the first time, there are some things you can do to prepare.
You cannot start taking Suboxone if you are not in acute opioid withdrawal—taking Suboxone too shortly after using heroin or prescription opioids can send you into precipitated withdrawal, which can be more severe than acute symptoms.
As such, you need to be experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms before you can start your Suboxone treatment. Use the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) to determine if you’re ready to take your first dose or not. You should have a score of 17 or higher before initiating Suboxone.
Of course, you shouldn’t need to figure this out all on your own—especially because the symptoms can be uncomfortable. If you aren’t sure whether you should take your first dose or not, reach out to your provider for help.
There is no set time that you must wait before taking your first Suboxone dose—it’s contingent upon the severity of your opioid withdrawal symptoms. But there are a few factors that affect your opioid withdrawal timeline and severity, which in turn, affect how long you have to wait before initiating Suboxone therapy.
These factors include:
An opioid’s half-life affects how soon withdrawal symptoms emerge—short-acting opioids cause a more rapid onset of symptoms and shorter timeline whereas long-acting opioids have a delayed and longer timeline. Regardless, you should stop taking opioids like fentanyl, heroin and painkillers for at least a couple days before Suboxone—if not longer.
An essential part of starting Suboxone is being transparent about your opioid misuse and history. You need to disclose to your doctor every drug you’re taking, the dose and the duration you were taking it. This allows them to individualize your care and ensure your safety and comfort.
On your first day of Suboxone therapy, your doctor will help determine your dose and find a plan that works for you. These are three important aspects you should decide on together.
Some people opt to start treatment at home so they can feel comfortable and relaxed if they do experience any side effects, such as dizziness, sedation, nausea or GI upset.
Other people prefer to take their first dose at the clinic so that they can be near their doctor in case they have symptoms or want to ask questions. This is sometimes referred to as an “in-office induction.”
Studies show that both at-home and in-office inductions are safe and equally effective. It mostly comes down to what your doctor offers and what you personally feel would be best for you.
Talk to your doctor about what location you would like to be at when you take your first day of Suboxone.
Most people start Suboxone in either a strip or a tablet form, both of which are ultimately meant to be placed under the tongue and dissolved.
For this reason, it can be a little trickier than just swallowing a pill. Ensure you understand how to use the Suboxone form you’ve chosen and how to administer it properly under the tongue to ensure it is fully dissolved and absorbed by your body.
In general, the instructions for the strip and tablet are similar:
You can expect your Suboxone dose to begin working within about 30 to 45 minutes after taking it, which means it will begin to alleviate your withdrawal symptoms and cravings. If you don’t feel an improvement, your doctor may adjust your dose.
Your doctor will estimate your Suboxone dose based on factors like your weight, height, and drug use history. But this dose is only an estimate, and some people may need a higher or lower dose in order to alleviate their opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also minimizing Suboxone side effects.
Your doctor will walk you through the induction process, but it typically looks like this:
Your doctor may give you pamphlets and other documents that explain what will happen and what you will do. Read these carefully and ask all questions you have – there are no bad questions.
Suboxone can make you feel better during withdrawal, but it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort, both from transitioning off of opioids and also potentially from side effects from the new medication. Be patient – it gets easier.
Be proud that you have completed your first day of MAT, and rest assured that it is putting you on a path to a better future. With your withdrawal symptoms and cravings under control, you can focus on the essential work you’re doing to discontinue your opioid use.
How Do I Know If My Dose Is Working? You will know your dose is working if your opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms are reduced or disappear entirely. If you are still experiencing intense cravings or are uncomfortable, your doctor may need to increase your dose.
What Are Common Suboxone Side Effects? You may experience side effects like constipation, nausea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness when you take Suboxone. Generally, these symptoms will be mild and temporary, improving as your body adjusts to the medication.
What Should I Do If I Am Experiencing Suboxone Side Effects? Mild side effects are normal and should be manageable, but if you are struggling to deal with the side effects, talk to your doctor right away. They will adjust your dose accordingly.
How Often Should I Meet with My Suboxone Doctor? You should meet with your doctor at least once a week during your first month of taking Suboxone, though you may need to meet more or less frequently, depending on your needs. Eventually, you may meet less frequently, especially if you’ve found a dose that works for you.
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role of the brain dopamine system in substance use disorders and in aging. He also studies brain function in obesity and eating disorders.
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