How long does Suboxone block opiates?
- Suboxone blocks the effects of full opioids (such as heroin, fentanyl, or morphine) for at least 24 hours
- In some people, the effects may last up to 60 hours.
Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone and it has become one of the preferred treatments for opioid addiction. It is usually taken once a day.
The buprenorphine component of Suboxone blocks opiates. It works by binding to the opiate receptors in your brain, preventing other opioids from being able to attach. The naloxone component is there to discourage misuse of Suboxone, as this will cause people to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they try and inject Suboxone.
Buprenorphine is quickly absorbed after taking by mouth and reaches its peak effect within 40 to 120 minutes.
Its effects at blocking opioid receptors last for at least 24 hours, although this can vary among individuals depending on their weight, metabolism, or history of drug abuse. In some people, the effects of Suboxone may last up to 60 hours.
If full opioids (such as heroin, fentanyl, or morphine) are taken within 24 hours of a Suboxone dose, they will not work.
References
- Lautieri, A.How Long Does Suboxone Last to Manage Opiate Withdrawal Pain? American Addiction Centers July 2019 https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone/length-of-blocking-effect
- What is Suboxone? Addiction Center Dec 6 2019. https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/medications/suboxone/
Read next
How long does Suboxone stay in your system?
The effects of Suboxone last for 24 hours. After one dose of Suboxone, no trace of the drug would be expected to be found after 5 to 8 days in healthy people, or 7 to 14 days in those with severe liver disease. Continue reading
Does Suboxone show up on a drug test?
Suboxone will only show up on a drug test if the panel specifically tests for buprenorphine or its metabolites, or for naloxone. Suboxone will not cause false positives for other opioids. Continue reading
How long does Suboxone withdrawal last?
Withdrawal symptoms typically last for approximately one month, although this may vary depending on the duration of use, the dosage of Suboxone, alcohol use, and presence of medical conditions including other mental health disorders. Physical symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, headaches) of withdrawal commonly begin within 24 hours after the last dose and last for approximately 10 days. These are generally worse in the first 72 hours. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What happens if you take opiates on Suboxone?
- How long should you wait before taking Suboxone?
- Does Suboxone help with pain?
- How long does it take for Suboxone to start working?
- Subutex vs Suboxone: What's the difference between them?
- Can you overdose on Suboxone?
- Is buprenorphine the same as Suboxone?
- Suboxone vs methadone: What’s the difference?
- Is Suboxone a controlled substance?
- What are the different types of buprenorphine/naloxone?
- How does Suboxone work?
- Is acne a side effect of Suboxone?
- Is Suboxone an opiate / narcotic?
- What medications can you NOT take with Suboxone?
- Sublocade vs Suboxone - What's the difference between them?
- Zubsolv vs Suboxone: What's the difference?
- Is Vivitrol the same as Suboxone?
- Are Bunavail and Suboxone the same thing?
- What is the difference between Cassipa and Suboxone sublingual film?
Drug information
- Suboxone Information for Consumers
- Suboxone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Suboxone (detailed)
Related support groups
- Suboxone (248 questions, 5,891 members)
- Opiate Dependence (150 questions, 2,359 members)
- Opiate Withdrawal (60 questions, 2,347 members)