Tips for taking your buprenorphine

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The buprenorphine Boulder prescribes most often comes as a film or tablet that dissolves under your tongue. How you take it can make a real difference in how much of your dose your body absorbs. These tips can help you get the most out of every dose.

If you're taking your buprenorphine and still have withdrawal symptoms or cravings, call us at 888-316-0451 or message your care team as soon as possible.

Before you take it

Don't smoke for 30 minutes before your dose. Smoking dries out your mouth and lowers blood flow there, which makes it harder to absorb your full dose.
Take a sip of water first. A dry mouth absorbs less, so moistening it helps.

While it dissolves

Don't swallow or chew it. Buprenorphine works best when it dissolves under your tongue. If you swallow it, you won't get your full dose and you may still feel withdrawal.
Don't eat or drink. You might accidentally swallow some of your dose. Caffeine can also dry out your mouth.
Let it dissolve all the way. This can take up to 15 minutes. Try not to talk while it dissolves, since that can lower how much you absorb. Setting a timer on your phone can help.
Stay upright. Lying down can make you swallow some of your dose before it's absorbed, so keep this in mind if you take it at bedtime.

After it dissolves

Wait 15 minutes before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Spit out your saliva instead of swallowing it. The medication has already been absorbed through your mouth, so you aren't wasting any. Swallowing it can cause nausea or headaches.

Think about timing

If your medication seems to wear off or you start feeling withdrawal by the end of the day, message your care team or call 888-316-0451. You don’t have to wait for your next visit. Your clinician may suggest splitting your dose, with part in the morning and part at night. Check with them before you change how you take it. The time of day can also help with some side effects. For example, taking it in the morning may help if it’s hard to sleep, and taking it at night may help if it makes you tired.

Still having side effects, cravings, or withdrawal?

Reach out to us at 888-316-0451 or message your care team.