• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Suboxone: Uses, Side Effects, and Costs

Published: January 30, 2023 Updated: February 17, 2023
Published: 01/30/2023 Updated: 02/17/2023
Martha Teater, LMFT Headshot
Written by:

Martha Teater

LMFT
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • What is Suboxone?What Is
  • Benefits of Suboxone Treatment6 Benefits of Suboxone
  • Suboxone Side EffectsSuboxone Side Effects
  • Warning & Associated Risks of SuboxoneWarning & Risk
  • Suboxone WithdrawalSuboxone Withdrawal
  • Costs, Insurance Coverage & Where to Get SuboxoneCost & Insurance Coverage
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Martha Teater, LMFT Headshot
Written by:

Martha Teater

LMFT
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD

Suboxone products are medications that treat opioid use disorder.1 These medications are highly effective in helping people move through opioid use disorder to find long-term, sustained recovery. These medications can be very effective, and your treating provider can provide information regarding which products are safest and most effective for your needs.

Take Back Your Life From The Grip Of Opioids

Bicycle Health offers medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone to help patients stop their opioid use. 95% of patients report no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. See the doctor online. Most insurance is accepted. Visit Bicycle Health

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Bicycle Health.

Visit Bicycle Health

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is an opioid-treatment medication that helps people stop their misuse of opioids.2 It comes in a tablet or film form that dissolves under the tongue and consists of two medications: buprenorphine (the active ingredient) and naloxone. Naloxone is added to decrease the likelihood of misuse of Suboxone. Suboxone can be successful even if a person is not also involved in behavioral therapy. While therapy is recommended, it should never be mandatory.

There is also a long-acting injectable form of buprenorphine without naloxone, called Sublocade. This can be helpful when compliance may be an issue.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a weak opioid and part of the Suboxone product.3 It blocks potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Suboxone blocks opioid receptors, and the naloxone in it  makes overdose much less likely than the buprenorphine alone, saving countless lives that could have been lost to unintended overdose.4

Naloxone

Naloxone is included in Suboxone to prevent the risk of misuse of buprenorphine by blocking opioid receptors and effects. Without this combination product people would be limited to using Subutex, which is a mono-product, meaning that it doesn’t contain this protective feature. Many medical providers never prescribe Subutex because it lacks the protection that naloxone provides. The combination product is considered to be much safer. There aren’t any documented cases of significant allergic reactions to naloxone, and it is even safe enough to use during pregnancy.

6 Benefits of Suboxone Treatment

Let’s take a look at what Suboxone maintenance treatment involves and how it can be used in rehab facilities or in outpatient and inpatient settings. Suboxone can help people make it through the grueling and miserable experience of withdrawal from opioids. It can help correct the brain changes that occur with opioid use. This medication is taken every day, often for a long period of time. There is no urgency to stop its use. This doesn’t require frequently going to a clinic, as the medication is taken at home.

Below are six benefits of Suboxone in treating opioid use disorder:

  1. The risk of an unintended opioid overdose is dramatically reduced due to the inclusion of naloxone along with the buprenorphine. This is a life-saving benefit, especially with the increase of Fentanyl in many opioids. Fentanyl is much more potent than other opioids, and other opioids are often tainted with Fentanyl without the user knowing it. This can lead to unintended opioid overdose.
  2. Suboxone helps people get through withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal is horrible and includes physical pain and emotional torment.
  3. Using medication for treatment reduces cravings for opioids. Cravings can be powerful and overwhelming, leading many people to continue their use.
  4. Suboxone blocks the impact of opioids. If someone is on Suboxone and has a slip and uses an opioid, it will not have the same impact as without Suboxone.
  5. Opioids cause brain changes with use, such as a reduced brain volume in the amygdala that can occur within 30-days of opioid use. Suboxone helps correct those brain changes to normalize brain functioning.5
  6. Suboxone can help reactivate the brain’s reward system. This allows the person to feel renewed pleasure and satisfaction with life and what’s important to them.

Take Back Your Life From The Grip Of Opioids

Bicycle Health offers medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone to help patients stop their opioid use. 95% of patients report no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. See the doctor online. Most insurance is accepted. Visit Bicycle Health

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Bicycle Health.

Visit Bicycle Health

Suboxone Side Effects

Side effects of Suboxone rarely cause someone to stop taking the medication. Any side effects are generally minimal and temporary. If you think you’re having side effects, contact your provider.

Common Suboxone side effects include:

  • Insomnia
  • Constipation
  • Mouth or tongue numbness: due to the dissolvable film, this is temporary
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache

More serious side effects of Suboxone can include:

  • Impaired liver function
  • Adrenal changes
  • Low blood pressure upon standing
  • Sleep-related breathing changes
  • Possible allergic reactions to medication ingredients
  • Twice the risk of dental decay

Warning & Associated Risks of Suboxone

Suboxone is a safe and effective treatment, but there may be some people who aren’t able to use it. Because it’s a very low-dose opioid, there is the potential for misuse if enough is injected at one time. It shouldn’t be used by anyone besides the person it was prescribed to.

To ensure health and safety, people who shouldn’t use Suboxone include:

  • People who are unaware of how to use the medication
  • Individuals who don’t understand the side effects
  • People who take Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam) ,Ativan (lorazepam), and Restoril (temazepam)

Risk of Suboxone Misuse & Addiction

Some people wonder if it’s possible to develop an opioid addiction to Suboxone. This isn’t a medication that is typically used as a primary drug of abuse. If someone wants to get high from an opioid, they would have to use a lot of Suboxone to do that. Most people don’t bother with that, and instead will just use other opioids. When they realize they aren’t getting the desired effect from using opioids while on Suboxone they often end up not using the opioids again.

There is a difference between addiction and dependence. People can have a physical reliance on an opioid but not have the addictive behaviors related to opioid use disorder. Using Suboxone for treatment is NOT trading one addiction for another and it is not a cross-addiction. These are common myths. Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, and the inclusion of naloxone helps prevent addiction.

Risk of Overdose

It is possible that children under the age of two can overdose on Suboxone, so be sure to store it safely. Fatal overdose of Suboxone is not a usual risk. The only exception to this is if someone has taken a lot of Suboxone along with a large quantity of alcohol or benzodiazepines (anxiety medication). If someone appears to be overdosing in this way, it’s best to administer Narcan (the overdose reversal medication) and call 911.

Suboxone Drug Interactions

There are some drug interactions to be aware of. Make sure to discuss this with your provider so you have the awareness of these risks. You don’t want to make Suboxone less effective or contribute to the seriousness of side effects.

Medications and substances that can negatively interact with Suboxone include:

  • Benzodiazepines
  • SSRIs
  • Alcohol
  • Niacin
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Tranquilizers
  • Sleeping medications
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamines

Suboxone Withdrawal

If you are on Suboxone and decide that you’d like to stop taking it, you should discuss this with your provider. Your provider can guide you in how to slowly taper your dose so you can avoid withdrawal symptoms. Tapering down from Suboxone is easier and doesn’t take as long as tapering from opioids. Because of the opioid-induced brain changes many people stay on methadone (an opioid-alternative of Suboxone that does not contain naloxone) or Suboxone long-term.

Costs, Insurance Coverage & Where to Get Suboxone

The cost for Suboxone depends on the number of doses, strength of the dosing, and frequency of dosing. Methadone’s cost is dependent on the dosage. Methadone is generally less costly than Suboxone. Most insurance companies cover the cost of treatment.

If you’d like to begin using Suboxone, you should set up a time to meet with a Suboxone provider to discuss whether this is a good choice for you. Once it’s decided that this will be an effective treatment for you, you will get a prescription for the medication. You can start it in your provider’s office or can start it at home.

Suboxone Alternatives

If you feel that Suboxone may not be a good fit for you, you have some other options.  You can consider Vivitrol, which is an injectable form of naltrexone. The outcomes for Vivitrol are not as impressive as the results of buprenorphine and methadone, so it isn’t used as often as buprenorphine and methadone.

There are medications and substances that can have harmful interactions with Suboxone, including:

  • Other buprenorphine products like Sublocade and Subutex
  • Combined buprenorphine and naloxone medications like Bunavail and Zubsolv
  • Naltrexone, which has the brand name of Vivitrol

Final Thoughts

Suboxone is a life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder. It’s important to discuss your personal medical history with your provider and car team to determine if Suboxone is the right treatment to address your use. Though the concerns are minimal, you do want to be aware of any risks and side effects that could occur.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Talk Therapy

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Starting Therapy Newsletter

A free newsletter for those interested in learning about starting therapy or taking medication. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Betterhelp, Hims / Hers, and  Talkiatry. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • Addiction Statistics and Facts
  • 15 Best Addiction Recovery Blogs
  • 9 Best Sobriety Apps
5 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • DSM-5: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.

  • NIDA. 2021, December 2. Medications to Treat Opiod Use Disorder Research Report Overview. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/ on December 23, 2022

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. (2009)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. (2009). The facts about buprenorphine.Retrieved December 27, 2022, from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4442.pdf. 

  • Velander JR. Suboxone: Rationale, Science, Misconceptions. Ochsner J. 2018 Spring;18(1):23-29. PMID: 29559865; PMCID: PMC5855417.

  • Younger JW, Chu LF, D’Arcy NT, Trott KE, Jastrzab LE, Mackey SC. Prescription opioid analgesics rapidly change the human brain. Pain. 2011 Aug;152(8):1803-1810. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2011.03.028. Epub 2011 Apr 30. PMID: 21531077; PMCID: PMC3138838.

Recent Articles

Weed Withdrawal Symptoms_ Timeline_ _ Prevention
Weed Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, & Prevention
Marijuana use is common, with CDC estimates of at least 3 in 10 users experiencing a marijuana use disorder....
';
What Is Relapse Risk Factors, Treatment & How to Cope
What Is Relapse? Risk Factors, Treatment & How to Cope
A relapse happens when an individual fully returns to using or engaging in addictive behaviors after a period of...
';
Monument Review
Monument Review 2023: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
Monument is a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for those who want to cut back or quit drinking. The program...
';
Signs of a Relapse: How to Track the Stages of Relapse
Signs of a Relapse: How to Track the Stages of Relapse
Warning signs of an imminent or ongoing relapse vary depending on the individual and the substance or behavior. Signs...
';
Ria Health Review
Ria Health Review 2023: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
Ria Health is an online medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD). It earned...
';
Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Fentanyl Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Due to its potency and addictive qualities, abusing fentanyl can result in the development of a fentanyl addiction. Symptoms...
';
Martha Teater, LMFT Headshot
Written by:

Martha Teater

LMFT
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Heidi Moawad

MD
  • What is Suboxone?What Is
  • Benefits of Suboxone Treatment6 Benefits of Suboxone
  • Suboxone Side EffectsSuboxone Side Effects
  • Warning & Associated Risks of SuboxoneWarning & Risk
  • Suboxone WithdrawalSuboxone Withdrawal
  • Costs, Insurance Coverage & Where to Get SuboxoneCost & Insurance Coverage
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept