What is Suboxone?

The buprenorphine in Suboxone stays in the body longer than other opioids. The elimination half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the body. For buprenorphine, this takes 24 to 42 hours. So, it can take over seven to nine days for Suboxone to leave the body completely.

Many factors can affect how long Suboxone stays in the system. These include:

• Age
• Weight
• Metabolism speed
• The last dosage taken
• History of substance misuse
• Liver health

In addition, depending on the duration of treatment, traces of buprenorphine can remain detectable in the body for longer periods.

The long-term use of any opioid medication, including Suboxone, can lead to physical dependence. However, this possibility is lower than that of other opioids. In addition, Suboxone doesn’t have the same sedative properties as other opioids; therefore, it’s less likely to cause cravings.

Unlike other opioids, buprenorphine in Suboxone contains a “ceiling effect.” As a result, while a person’s tolerance to buprenorphine can grow, they cannot overcome that tolerance by increasing the amount of medication they take. This effect also helps reduce the risk of misuse.

Misusing Suboxone can cause serious side effects, including overdose. Combining Suboxone with other substances like benzodiazepines or alcohol may cancel out the “ceiling effect” and cause an overdose.

Symptoms of Suboxone overdose may include:

• Dilated pupils
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Runny nose
• Stomach pain
• Tremors or twitching
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Goosebumps
• Anxiety

If a Suboxone overdose happens, give the person Narcan/naloxone right away. Then call 911, even if the person seems to wake up, because the naloxone might wear off. Stay with them until help arrives. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to get Narcan/naloxone.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Suboxone treatment during pregnancy has been proven to be a safe and effective medication for opioid addiction.

However, taking buprenorphine during pregnancy can expose newborn infants to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) after birth and can also be passed into breast milk. For this reason, women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to get pregnant must inform their healthcare professionals before starting Suboxone treatment. It’s important to note that infants born to mothers who used Suboxone correctly during pregnancy experienced minor fetal distress and other symptoms after birth.

If you miss a dose of Suboxone, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. Consistency is important in the effectiveness of Suboxone, so try to take it at the same time each day. If you have questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider.