Tips for Taking Your Buprenorphine
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If you are taking your buprenorphine and still feel withdrawal symptoms or cravings, be sure to contact us. The most common formulations of buprenorphine prescribed by Boulder are either a film or a tablet that dissolves under your tongue. Below are some tips to make sure your body is able to absorb as much of your medication as possible. Remember to always review your Patient Visit Summary in your Boulder app for guidance from your clinician.
Before taking your medication
Avoid smoking 30 minutes before taking your medication.
Smoking can cause dry mouth and decreased blood supply to the mouth, both of which will make it harder for you to absorb the full dose.
Drink a sip of water to moisten your mouth
Dry mouth can make it harder to absorb your full dose. Drinking a sip of water before you take your medication can help.
While taking your medication
Do not swallow or chew the medication
Buprenorphine is absorbed best when dissolved under the tongue. If swallowed, you will not get the full dose and may still experience withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid eating or drinking while taking your medication.
Eating or drinking while taking your medication can cause you to accidentally swallow some, which will decrease the amount available to be absorbed. Caffeine can also dry out your mouth and interfere with absorption.
Allow your medication to fully dissolve in your mouth.
This can take up to 15 minutes. Try not to talk while your medication dissolves, as this can decrease the amount of medication able to be absorbed. Setting a timer on your phone may help you keep track.
Avoid laying down while taking your medication.
Laying down may cause you to swallow your medication while it is still being absorbed in your mouth. This is important if you take your dose at bedtime.
After taking your medication
Avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking for 15 minutes after taking your medication.
Eating or drinking while your medication dissolves can cause you to accidentally swallow some, which will decrease the amount available to be absorbed.
After your medication is fully dissolved, spit out your saliva instead of swallowing it.
Your medication has already been absorbed through your mouth and swallowing may cause you to feel nauseous or cause headaches. You are not wasting or missing out on any medication by not swallowing it.
Consider when you take your medication
If you are starting to feel your medication “wear off” or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms by the end of the day, talk with your clinician at your next appointment. Some patients prefer to split their dosing, taking part of their medication in the morning and part at night. The time of day you take your medication may also help resolve certain side effects, click here to read more.
Still having side effects?
If you are experiencing side effects from your medication, please contact us. You may also find this resource helpful: Managing buprenorphine side effects.
Still having cravings or experiencing withdrawal?
If you are still experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms, please contact us. You may also find these resources helpful: