How it works
In many cases, treatment can begin the same day.
You schedule a visit, are evaluated by a physician, and if buprenorphine is appropriate, a prescription is sent to your pharmacy the same day.
Whether same-day treatment is possible depends on timing and the clinical evaluation. Your physician will discuss what makes sense for your situation.
Timing
When buprenorphine should be started.
Buprenorphine should be started when withdrawal has begun or is beginning. Starting too early — before other opioids have cleared — can cause precipitated withdrawal.
Your physician will explain when and how to take the first dose based on your last use and current symptoms.
After the first visit
What follow-up looks like.
Follow-up visits focus on how you are responding to the medication and any dose adjustments needed. Most patients transition to monthly visits once stable.
In practice
In practice.
Same-day treatment depends on timing.
If the timing is right, treatment can begin that day.
If not, your physician will tell you exactly when to take the first dose and what to expect.
Most patients are able to start within 24 hours.