Is Suboxone an opiate / narcotic?
Key Points
- Suboxone is a two-ingredient drug that contains an opioid (or narcotic) called buprenorphine and the opioid antagonist naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist added to buprenorphine to block the effects of the opioid to help prevent abuse of Suboxone.
- Suboxone is only used to treat opioid dependence and is not approved for use as a pain medication.
- Suboxone is available as a film that dissolves under your tongue (sublingual) or in your cheek-gum area (buccal).
Suboxone is approved by the FDA to treat opioid dependence, also called opioid use disorder, which is addiction to opioid drugs, including illegal drugs like heroin and prescription narcotic pain medicines. It is used in addition to a treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapy.
Suboxone contains two medicines that work in different ways.
- Buprenorphine is classified as a partial agonist and works at the mu-opioid receptor. A partial agonist activates the opioid receptor less than a full agonist (like oxycodone or morphine).
- Naloxone is a pure opioid antagonist that competes with and displaces opioids at opioid receptor sites in the body. It is often added to drugs used for opioid dependence to help prevent abuse of the product.
Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) comes as a film that dissolves under your tongue (sublingual) or in your cheek-gum area (buccal). The brand name Suboxone sublingual tablets have been discontinued by the manufacturer, but are still available as a generic option.
Other medicines used for opioid use disorder that contain both naloxone and buprenorphine are:
- Zubsolv (a sublingual tablet)
- generic forms of buprenorphine and naloxone (sublingual tablets, film)
The brand name products Bunavail, Cassipa and Suboxone tablets (not the film) have been discontinued from the U.S. market.
Both buprenorphine or naloxone can be used as single agents if they are prescribed by a healthcare provider in that manner. Buprenorphine as a single drug is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain or opioid addiction. Naloxone (Narcan) as a single drug is approved for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose.
This is not all the information you need to know about Suboxone for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Suboxone information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your health care provider.
Related questions
- How long does Suboxone stay in your system?
- How long does Suboxone block opiates?
- Does Suboxone show up on a drug test?
References
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film, for sublingual or buccal use. [Package Insert]. Indivior Inc. North Chesterfield, VA. Accessed Feb. 16, 2021 at https://www.suboxone.com/pdfs/prescribing-information.pdf
Read next
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
What happens if you take opiates on Suboxone?
If you use opiates while on Suboxone (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone), the strong effects or “high” of the opiates will be dulled or blocked. Continue reading
How long should you wait before taking Suboxone?
You typically have to wait 12-24 hours after last using short acting opioids before you start taking Suboxone as a treatment for opioid use disorder. The exact length of time depends on the type of opioid used. Continue reading
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It temporarily improves the ...
Fremanezumab
Fremanezumab is used for chronic migraine, headache, migraine, migraine prevention
Related medical questions
- 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?
- Is buprenorphine an opiate / narcotic?
- Is Suboxone a controlled substance?
- Suboxone vs methadone: What’s the difference?
- What are the different types of buprenorphine/naloxone?
- How does Suboxone work?
- Is acne a side effect of Suboxone?
- 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)
- Suboxone user reviews (729)
Related support groups
- Suboxone (249 questions, 5,901 members)
- Opiate Dependence (150 questions, 2,362 members)