How to Start Buprenorphine (Bup/Suboxone/Subutex) On Your Own
Medium-Dose Induction
This handout is meant to be a guide to help you start buprenorphine safely.
Please feel free to use your experience to safely start buprenorphine in a way that works for you.
Before you take any buprenorphine medication:
- Stop taking all opioids at least 12 hours before starting buprenorphine.
- Begin taking comfort medications if prescribed by your provider. Comfort medications are the medicines available for anxiety, nausea, muscle aches, etc.
- Keep waiting after the 12 hours until you start to feel withdrawal symptoms. If you don’t wait until you feel withdrawal symptoms, buprenorphine can make you feel sick.
Day 1 — Time to start
First dose:
- When you begin to feel withdrawal symptoms, take your first dose of 8 mg buprenorphine under your tongue.
- Keep medication under your tongue until fully dissolved
- Do not eat or drink while it is dissolving
- Wait one hour to see if the medication helps
1-hour after you dose:
Are you still feeling withdrawal symptoms?
Still feel sick » Take a second 8mg dose
Better » Wait 1 hour
2-hours after your first dose
Continue taking all comfort medications as prescribed.
If you still feel sick, text BLP at (866) 679-0831
How many doses did you take today?
1st dose: _____MG
2nd dose: _____MG
Total taken day: _____MG
Day 2
Take the full dose you took on Day 1 in the morning of Day 2.