How is Suboxone taken?
Sublingual tablets are absorbed through veins under the tongue. Before taking Suboxone, it is a good idea to drink a little water to moisten the mouth, which helps the tablets dissolve easier, and faster. If the doctor prescribes two tablets, put one on the left side under the tongue, and put the other on the right side under the tongue. If more than two are prescribed, Reckitt Benckiser, the makers of Suboxone, recommends waiting until after the first two dissolve to take the rest. It generally takes about 10 minutes for a tablet to dissolve, though it can range anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Some patients have reported holding the “juices” in their mouth for as long as 45 minutes can increase effectiveness. Try not to talk while taking Suboxone, as this can interfere with how well it is absorbed. It is important that Suboxone be taken correctly for it to work, and if a patient does not follow directions he/she may end up feeling sick.
Suboxone is a sublingual (under the tongue) tablet taken once a day or every other day. Initially patients must go to a pharmacy every day to get their dose. The pharmacist will witness the doses being taken. As they progress in the treatment program they may be allowed to take doses home to take on their own. Likewise, initially they attend clinic twice per week. As they progress they attend clinic less often. How much does Suboxone cost? Suboxone is not covered by the provincial drug plan in Ontario at this time. If you are on social assistance, disability or over 65 methadone may be a better choice. Depending on the dose you are stabilized at you could be paying $30 per day although this charge would decrease as you achieved carries (take home doses) because of decreased dispensing fees. Effects and side effects Euphoria (feeling high) or sedation is possible if too high a dose of methadone is taken. Typically patients feel no effect except a decreased need for opiates – a low dose
