The right way to take your Subutex tablet

Subutex tablets must dissolve under your tongue — you do not swallow them whole. Place the tablet under your tongue and let it sit there until it dissolves completely, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Do not chew, crush, or try to swallow it. Your mouth's moisture dissolves the tablet, and the medication absorbs through the tissue under your tongue into your bloodstream.

Your prescriber will tell you how many tablets to take and when. The dose is measured in milligrams (mg), and tablets come in different strengths — commonly 2 mg and 8 mg. Take exactly the dose your doctor prescribed, at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose — then skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule.

Do not change your dose or stop taking Subutex without talking to your prescriber first, even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your prescriber will help you lower your dose gradually if you decide to stop.

Key Takeaways

  • Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely — do not chew, crush, or swallow it whole.
  • Take your dose at the same time each day, exactly as your prescriber directed.
  • Keep your mouth dry before taking the tablet, because saliva helps it dissolve but too much moisture can wash it away before it fully absorbs.
  • Never stop taking Subutex without talking to your prescriber, because stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
  • Store your tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Preparing to take your tablet

Rinse your mouth with water a few minutes before taking your dose, then let your mouth dry. A dry mouth helps the tablet dissolve evenly. Do not eat, drink, or smoke right before taking your tablet — wait at least 15 minutes after your dose before eating or drinking anything.

Make sure your hands are clean and dry when you handle the tablet. If your tablet is broken, crumbled, or looks damaged, do not take it — ask your pharmacy for a replacement. Store your tablets in the original container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep them where children and pets cannot reach them.

What happens as the tablet dissolves

As the tablet sits under your tongue, you will feel it soften and break apart. You may notice a bitter taste — this is normal. Do not spit out the tablet or the saliva around it; let everything stay in your mouth so the medication can absorb. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, though it can take longer if your mouth is very dry.

Once the tablet has fully dissolved, you can swallow normally. Do not rinse your mouth when ready after — wait at least 30 minutes before drinking water or eating food. This gives the medication time to absorb completely through the tissue under your tongue.

Common mistakes to avoid

Swallowing the tablet whole is the most common mistake. Subutex is designed to absorb through the mouth lining, not the stomach. If you swallow it, much less medication reaches your bloodstream, and your dose will not work as intended.

Chewing or crushing the tablet also reduces how much medication your body absorbs. Chewing breaks it into pieces that may be swallowed before they fully dissolve, and crushing it can damage the tablet's structure. Drinking water or eating food while the tablet is dissolving washes it away before it can absorb.

Taking your dose at different times each day can make your treatment less stable. Try to take it at the same time every morning or evening, depending on what your prescriber recommended. If you often forget, set a phone alarm or keep your tablet bottle in a place you see every day.

What to do if you have trouble taking your tablet

If you have difficulty letting a tablet dissolve under your tongue — for example, because of mouth sores, dry mouth, or trouble keeping still — tell your prescriber. They may be able to adjust your dose timing, recommend ways to manage dry mouth, or discuss other forms of medication that might work better for you.

If you accidentally swallow a tablet whole, do not take an extra dose. straightforward take your next dose at the regular time. If you are unsure whether the tablet dissolved properly, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance.

If you have questions about your specific dose, how often to take it, or anything else about taking Subutex, call your prescriber's office or your pharmacy. They can answer questions about your individual treatment plan.

Storing and handling your tablets safely

Keep your Subutex tablets in the original container with the label attached. The label tells you the dose, how many tablets are in the bottle, and when to take them. Store the container at room temperature — between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) — away from bathrooms, kitchens, and other humid places.

Do not store tablets in a pill organizer or loose container, because they can absorb moisture and degrade. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or windowsills. Check the expiration date on your bottle; do not take tablets that have expired.

If you have leftover tablets you no longer need, ask your pharmacy how to dispose of them safely. Many pharmacies have medication take-back programs. Do not flush tablets down the toilet or throw them in the trash unless the label specifically says to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot get the tablet to dissolve under my tongue?

Make sure your mouth is not too wet — rinse with water and let it dry before taking the tablet. If your mouth is very dry, take a small sip of water first, then let your mouth dry again. If you continue to have trouble, talk to your prescriber about whether a different form of medication might work better for you.

Can I cut a Subutex tablet in half to take a smaller dose?

Only cut a tablet if your prescriber tells you to. Some tablets are scored (have a line down the middle) to make cutting easier and safer. If your tablet is not scored and you need a smaller dose, ask your pharmacy — they may have a lower-strength tablet available instead.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is close to your next dose time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Can I take Subutex with food or drinks?

Wait at least 15 minutes before eating or drinking after taking your tablet. You can eat and drink normally the rest of the day. Avoid alcohol and do not take other medications under your tongue at the same time as Subutex, because they can interfere with how the medication absorbs.

Is it normal to feel a bitter taste when the tablet dissolves?

Yes, a bitter taste is normal and expected. Do not spit out the tablet or the saliva — this is part of how the medication absorbs. The taste will fade once the tablet has fully dissolved and you swallow.