Suboxone Sublingual Tablets

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Also follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. The dose your doctor recommends, may be based on the following; the condition being treated for and how you respond to this medication.

The dose of Suboxone should be increased slowly until reaching a level that maintains the patient’s treatment and suppresses signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawl. Also don’t swallow the tablets whole or chew them. You should place the tablet under the tongue until it dissolves in two to 10 minutes. In addition, if you are taking two or more tablets, place them all under your tongue at the same time or two at a time. Suboxone comes as a sublingual tablet or film to take under the tongue.

For patients dependent on short-acting opioid products who are in opioid withdrawal; on Day 1, administer up to 8 mg/ 2 mg Suboxone sublingual film (in divided doses). On Day 2, administer up to 16 mg/4 mg of Suboxone sublingual film as a single dose.
For patients dependent on methadone or long-acting opioid products, induction onto sublingual buprenorphine monotherapy is recommended on Days 1 and 2 of treatment.
For maintenance treatment, the target dosage of Suboxone sublingual film is usually 16 mg/4 mg as a single daily dose.

Precautions

The drug’s prescription label contains all pertinent information regarding side effects, allergic reaction, other interactions, dependence, withdrawal and overdose. Also patients should always tell doctors about over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements they are taking.
Health problems that should be mentioned include: enlarged prostate, head injuries, Addison’s disease, hallucinations, curved spine, gallbladder disease, stomach problems and diseases of other organs. The buprenorphine in Suboxone can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting when getting up too quickly from a sitting position. Even though Suboxone is used to treat opiate addiction, it can be habit forming with prolonged use. Patients may become dependent upon the buprenorphine component. This means a professional, medical detox is in order.
Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water and exercise. Also consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener). To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.