The short version
Let it dissolve completely.
Place your buprenorphine/naloxone film or tablet under your tongue — or inside your cheek, only if your prescriber instructed that for your product — and let it dissolve completely. This usually takes several minutes. Don't chew it, suck on it, cut it, or swallow it. Don't eat or drink until it's gone, and try not to talk while it dissolves.
Whether you take it once a day or split it into two doses, your total daily dose is what matters — your prescriber will recommend the schedule that's right for you. Don't change your dose, timing, or schedule on your own.
Watch
How to take Suboxone — a short walkthrough.
How often to take it
Your total daily dose is what matters.
Whether you take your medication once a day or split it into two doses, your total daily dose is what matters. Your prescriber will recommend the schedule that is right for you.
The commonly recommended target maintenance dose is 16 mg / 4 mg per day, but the right dose is individualized. Your prescriber may adjust it based on your withdrawal symptoms, cravings, side effects, safety, and how you're doing overall.
If your dose doesn't feel like it's holding you, talk with your prescriber. They can adjust your dose or schedule safely — don't make changes on your own.
Step by step
How to take your dose.
Moisten your mouth
Take a sip of water, swish it around, and swallow. A little moisture helps the film or tablet dissolve evenly — your mouth shouldn't be bone dry.
Place it as instructed
Place the medication exactly as your prescriber or pharmacy label directs. Tablets are usually placed under the tongue. Films are usually placed under the tongue, and some films may be placed inside the cheek when directed. If you take two films under the tongue, place them on opposite sides so they don't overlap.
Let it dissolve completely
Keep the medication in place until it fully dissolves. Don't chew it, suck on it, move it around, or swallow it whole. Try not to talk while it dissolves. This usually takes several minutes, often about 5 to 10.
Don't eat or drink until it's gone
Don't eat or drink anything until the medicine has fully dissolved. Swallowing your own saliva is fine. If you swallow the medicine whole, far less buprenorphine reaches your bloodstream, so it may not work as well.
After it dissolves, protect your teeth
Once the medicine has fully dissolved, take a large sip of water, gently swish it around your teeth and gums, and swallow. Wait at least 1 hour before brushing your teeth. The FDA has warned about dental problems — including cavities, tooth loss, and oral infections — with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth. Tell your prescriber and dentist about any tooth pain, cavities, or gum problems.
Follow your prescriber's routine
Some prescribers add their own tips, such as leaning your head slightly forward or avoiding coffee, food, and smoking for a short period before and after your dose. These timing tips aren't on the official label and the evidence for exact timing is limited, so follow what your own prescriber tells you.
Protect your teeth: after each dose fully dissolves, swish with water and swallow, then wait at least 1 hour before brushing. The FDA has linked buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth to dental problems. See a dentist soon after starting, and keep up regular checkups.
Do and don't
The habits that make it work.
Do
Take your dose at about the same time each day.
Take it exactly as your prescriber or pharmacy label instructs.
Let the film or tablet fully dissolve in your mouth.
Keep your mouth still while it dissolves.
After it dissolves, swish with water and swallow.
Tell your prescriber about every other medicine you take — including benzodiazepines, gabapentin, pregabalin, sleep medicines, muscle relaxers, and alcohol.
Keep the medication locked away from children, pets, and anyone else.
Don't
Don't chew, suck on, or swallow your Suboxone.
Don't cut films or tablets unless your prescriber told you to.
Don't eat, drink, or smoke while it's dissolving.
Don't switch between under-the-tongue and cheek placement unless directed.
Don't change your dose or schedule on your own.
Don't stop suddenly without medical advice.
Important
This is general guidance — your prescriber's instructions come first.
This page explains the usual way to take buprenorphine/naloxone. It's general guidance, not a substitute for the directions your own prescriber gives you. If your dose doesn't seem to be holding your withdrawal or cravings, talk with your prescriber before changing anything.
Before you start: read the important safety information that comes with your medication, and never adjust your dose, change your schedule, or stop suddenly without medical advice.
Get help right away if you feel very sleepy, confused, short of breath, faint, or unable to stay awake. These can be signs of a dangerous reaction — call 911 or seek urgent medical care.
Common questions
Things people ask about taking Suboxone.
Should I take Suboxone all at once or split it up during the day?
Whether you take it once a day or split it into two doses, your total daily dose is what matters — your prescriber will recommend the schedule that's right for you. Buprenorphine's long half-life (about 24 to 42 hours) means a single daily dose works well for many patients. Don't split your dose or change your schedule on your own.
What happens if I swallow my Suboxone instead of letting it dissolve?
It may not work as well. Buprenorphine/naloxone is made to dissolve in your mouth so the buprenorphine can be absorbed before you swallow. If you swallow it whole, far less buprenorphine reaches your bloodstream — which is why the label says not to chew or swallow it.
How long does Suboxone take to dissolve?
Usually several minutes, often about 5 to 10. Keep the film or tablet in place and let it dissolve on its own. Don't chew it, suck on it, or move it around with your tongue, and try not to talk until it's gone.
Can I eat or drink right after taking Suboxone?
Wait until the medicine has fully dissolved before eating or drinking. Swallowing your own saliva is fine. After it dissolves, take a large sip of water, gently swish around your teeth and gums, and swallow — then wait at least 1 hour before brushing your teeth. Some prescribers also suggest avoiding coffee, food, and smoking for a short period before and after your dose.
Can I put it inside my cheek instead of under my tongue?
Only if your prescriber or pharmacy label says that's appropriate for your product. Tablets are usually placed under the tongue. Films are usually placed under the tongue, and some films may be placed inside the cheek when directed. Don't switch placement methods on your own.
Can I cut a film?
Only if your prescriber specifically told you to. The FDA-approved label for Suboxone film says to take it whole — not cut, chewed, or swallowed. Some clinicians use film-splitting as part of a specific off-label induction plan; if your prescriber gave you that plan, follow their exact instructions. Don't cut tablets.
Can I change how much or how often I take it?
Not on your own. If your dose doesn't seem to be holding your cravings or withdrawal, talk to your prescriber. They can safely adjust your dose or your schedule — including whether you take it once a day or split it into two. Just don't make those changes on your own.