What Are Suboxone Strips?

Suboxone is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for treating opioid use disorder. It is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine, and naloxone, which work together to block the effects of opioids while providing relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone mainly comes in two forms, sublingual strips/films, and tablets. Suboxone film strips are orange, thin films of medication that dissolves quickly under the tongue or in the cheek. They are designed to be used once daily and provide sustained relief from opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms for 24 hours.

Suboxone strips make it easy to take the exact amount of medication you need and can be used discreetly. Suboxone strips are also less likely to be abused than other forms of opioids and have been found to be safe and effective in treating opioid addiction.

In this blog, we will focus on Suboxone strips and how they work, how to take them, their side effects, who can and should not use them, and tips for using a Suboxone strip. We will also talk about where to get a Suboxone strip prescription and how to find help if needed.

With that said, let us dive in.

How Do Suboxone Strips Work?

Suboxone strips are dissolved under the tongue or inside the cheek. When Suboxone is taken this way, it quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches its peak in about 45 minutes.

This sublingual method of administration bypasses the digestive system and avoids the 'first-pass' effect that can make a drug less effective before it reaches the bloodstream. It makes Suboxone strips more effective than other forms of medication, such as tablets, in treating OUD.

Once in the bloodstream, buprenorphine binds to the same brain receptors that opioids do and relieves withdrawal symptoms and cravings for up to 24 hours.

Naloxone, the second drug in Suboxone strips, is included as an 'abuse-deterrent.' It acts as a 'blocker' and prevents the user from feeling the effects of opioids if Suboxone is taken. As a result, it helps reduce the risk of misuse and abuse of Suboxone and makes it a safer option for those suffering from opioid addiction.

How Are Suboxone Strips Taken?

Suboxone strips are taken once a day and should be left to dissolve under the tongue (sublingually) or on the inside of the cheek (buccally). Just place the strip under the tongue or inside the cheek and wait for it to dissolve. Dissolution usually takes place rapidly, within a few minutes. You must not chew, swallow, or break up the strip, as it can reduce its effectiveness.

It is also essential to use a dry surface when handling Suboxone strips. It helps prevent moisture from entering the film and destroying its protective coating.

Can you Swallow Suboxone Strips?

No, you should not swallow Suboxone strips. Swallowing Suboxone strips can reduce the drug’s effectiveness when it enters the bloodstream. The drugs in Suboxone strips (buprenorphine and naloxone) must be absorbed sublingually or buccally to work correctly.

Suboxone Strips Dosage

Suboxone strips come in various levels of strength and should be prescribed by a doctor according to your individual needs. In addition, different strengths are available depending on how severe your OUD is.

Suboxone doctors usually recommend lower doses of Suboxone strips to those just starting their treatment, usually at 12mg to 16mg daily. The doctor will then slowly increase the dosage as the patient becomes more tolerant of their needs.

You must follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Suboxone strips and never take more than prescribed. Taking too much could lead to dangerously high levels of buprenorphine in the blood, which can cause an overdose.

Here are the following strengths of Suboxone strips mg:

• 2 mg buprenorphine / 0.5 mg naloxone

• 4 mg buprenorphine / 1 mg naloxone

• 8 mg buprenorphine / 2 mg naloxone

• 12 mg buprenorphine / 3mg naloxone

Suboxone Strips Side Effects

Like any other medication, there are specific side effects associated with taking Suboxone strips. These include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, sleep problems, and drowsiness. Expect to feel these side effects more intensely when taking Suboxone for the first time. But they should subside over time as your body gets used to the medication.

More severe side effects like confusion or hallucinations can occur in some cases. You must immediately contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Suboxone strips.

Remember, Suboxone's side effects can be more dangerous if you take too much of the medication or mix it with other drugs, including alcohol. Learn more about Suboxone's side effects here.

Who Should Not Use Suboxone Strips?

While Suboxone strips sound convenient and effective treatment for OUD, they may not be for everyone.

If you fall under any of the following categories, it is best to talk to your doctor and see if Suboxone strips suit you:

• People under the age of 16

• People with severe breathing problems, asthma, or lung disease.

• People who are allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone

• People who have liver or kidney failure

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

In addition, it is not advisable for people who have the following medical conditions to take Suboxone strips:

• Mental illness, such as depression or anxiety

• Addison's disease or any problem with the adrenal gland

• Seizures

• Head injury

• Brain tumor

• Thyroid problem

• Prostate problem

It is best to speak to your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions before taking Suboxone strips.

Tips for Using a Suboxone Strip

Using Suboxone strips correctly is crucial to getting the most out of the medication and avoiding potential side effects. Here are top tips to help you get started:

• Take Suboxone strips as prescribed by your doctor

• Never share Suboxone strips with anyone else

• Store your Suboxone strips in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children

• Make sure your hands are dry when handling Suboxone strips

• Do not break, chew or crush Suboxone strips

• Avoid crossing or overlapping multiple strips under your tongue or in your cheeks. Place them side by side instead

• Do not move the strip once it is under the tongue or inside your cheek

• Always take your Suboxone strip at the same time each day

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke 30 minutes before and after taking Suboxone

• Do not drink alcohol or any other drugs while taking Suboxone strips

• Tell your doctor about any new medications you are taking, as they may interact with Suboxone strips

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not double up on doses 

• Make sure you are following up with your Suboxone doctor regularly

How to Get Suboxone Film Strips

Your Suboxone doctor will prescribe Suboxone strips (Suboxone sublingual film) once they determine it is medically appropriate for you. Remember, Suboxone strips are only available via prescription and should never be bought from street dealers or online.

In some cases, you may be able to receive Suboxone strips from your local pharmacy or via mail-order with a valid prescription. However, always check with your Suboxone doctor before taking any other medications, as they can interact with Suboxone strips and cause serious side effects.

Suboxone strips/film are an effective treatment for OUD. However, you should only take it as prescribed by your doctor and alongside therapy. 

If you have questions or concerns about taking Suboxone strips, speak with a certified Suboxone doctor. To find a reputable Suboxone doctor in your city, visit SuboxoneDoctor.com.