Suboxone is a combination drug commonly used to help manage opioid addiction. It reaches peak blood concentration levels in most users within 3 hours of taking a dose. The effects of the drug slowly taper off from there, lasting up to three days. Even after the effects fade, the medication remains detectable on drug screenings.
Page Topics
Showing on drug test | Detecting in urine | Feeling the effects | Blocking opioids | Withdrawal symptoms | Opioid addiction | Short term vs. long term |
Does Suboxone show up on a drug test?
Drug tests that detect Suboxone are available, but most over-the-counter drug tests do not test for Suboxone (including the at-home drug tests that you can buy at the pharmacy). Even some of the more advanced opioid drug screenings are not designed to test for Suboxone.
You can find Suboxone drug tests online, or you can go to a laboratory that does drug screenings and take the test in person. To be sure that a drug test will detect Suboxone, make sure that Buprenorphine is listed specifically. Even though Suboxone is technically an opioid, it will not trigger a false positive for other opioids.
How long does Suboxone stay in urine?
On average, Suboxone is detectable in urine for up to seven days after the last dose. The exact amount of time it remains detectable will vary based on several factors. Factors that can impact the detection timeline include:
- Age
- Sex
- BMI
- Metabolic rate
- Organ health
- Acidity of urine
- Hydration levels
How long does it take for Suboxone to kick in?
Most people feel the effects of Suboxone within an hour of taking the medication. Suboxone levels reach peak blood concentration levels in as little as 40 minutes up to 3 hours depending on body chemistry.
People who take buprenorphine should be cautious during this roughly 4-hour window during their first doses of the medication, as this is when side effects and problems with the medication are most likely to manifest.
How long does Suboxone block opioids?
Suboxone will block the effects of opioids for about 1-3 days, but this can vary between individuals. Patients should work closely with their doctors to determine the window of effectiveness and work out a safe dosing schedule.
What are the most common Suboxone withdrawal symptoms?
Suboxone is an opioid, and that means that if you stop taking it abruptly, your body will react to its absence. The most common Suboxone withdrawal symptoms are:
- Irritability
- Muscle Aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Cold Sweats
Suboxone should not be stopped cold turkey. If someone is taking the drug but wishes to stop, they need to work directly with their doctor to taper off safely.
How long can Suboxone withdrawal last?
For most individuals, withdrawal symptoms emerge 2-4 days after taking their last Suboxone dose. The worst symptoms typically are felt between days 3 and 5. The majority of the physical symptoms will fade within 7 days, though some symptoms can linger several weeks more.
This timeline may vary based on how the individual’s body responds and how gradually they taper. A gradual taper will help manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and cravings that lead to relapse.
Is Suboxone effective for treating opioid addiction?
Suboxone is considered one of the safest, easiest, and most effective forms of opioid addiction treatment.
One disadvantage of Suboxone is that it relies on the user being diligent in taking their medication as prescribed without skipping or doubling-up on doses. However, with correct use and ease of access, it is just as safe as any other option for managing opioid addiction.
How long should I take Suboxone?
There are two ways to take Suboxone:
- Short-term, – taken for the duration of detox to help ease withdrawal symptoms (6-10 days)
- Long term – taken daily to stabilize and prevent relapse
Short-term and long-term suboxone regimens accomplish different goals. No one style of treatment is better than another. At JourneyPure, we work with the individual patient to find out which method is most appropriate. Those who have struggled with relapse in the past especially benefit from long-term suboxone programs.
Often, doctors prefer Subutex instead of Suboxone for short-term use. Subutex contains the same active ingredient as Suboxone but does not contain the additional opioid blocker. Suboxone is preferred for long term use because it has the blocker as an added safety measure.
When I start people on a long-term suboxone regimen, I usually ask them to commit to taking the medication for a year in conjunction with outpatient therapy and support groups. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, Suboxone can help people overcome the challenging first 90 days of sobriety and maintain their sobriety in the long run.
JourneyPure.com doctors follow rigorous sourcing guidelines and cite only trustworthy sources of information, including peer-reviewed journals, count records, academic organizations, highly regarded nonprofit organizations, government reports and their own expertise with decades in the fields and their own personal recovery.
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SAMHSA: “Medications for Opioid Use Disorder: For Healthcare and Addiction Professionals, Policymakers, Patients, and Families”
National Alliance on Mental Illness: “Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone)”
Velander, Jennifer R. “Suboxone: Rationale, Science, Misconceptions.”
Disclaimer
All content is for informational purposes only. No material on this site, whether from our doctors or the community, is a substitute for seeking personalized professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard advice from a qualified healthcare professional or delay seeking advice because of something you read on this website.
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Gina Wilder says: I’m terrified. I started the program almost two months ago and have made major improvements in so many ways, but due to being taunted by two people who attempted to kill me in June, my daughter being abused in a relationship, and the adoption of two of my other children not to mention that when I was beaten severely they fractured my back in two places and the pain is unbearable. Someone was at my house visiting my son and offered me to smoke a methamphetamine pipe saying it would help me from my crying, panic and pain. I used it yesterday and I have a urine test tomorrow morning. I am terrified that they will no longer give me my Suboxone and I will not be able to handle that with everything else and I was really doing well. Please tell me what to do, I’m a very reclusive and person who’s scared of people due to several things in my life and only leave home for my appointment. I just cannot bring myself to tall them, I have been amazed that there are people like them that really want to help me, please can you find out the information and if I’d be cut off the worrying of it has my anxiety disorder PTSD panic attacks in a state that I can’t handle much longer thank you
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Dr. David Zoeller M.D. says: Hi Gina, thanks for your comment. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, stay strong and you will get through this!
The best thing to do is be honest with your doctor or therapist about using methamphetamine. I know it’s difficult, but the meth stays detectable in your system for 2-3 days after your last use, so you will fail the test. Your treatment program will understand, you’re not the first person to relapse while on a Suboxone program. But, they may suggest a higher level of treatment.
I suggest inpatient treatment rather than outpatient Suboxone therapy. It would allow you to get away from the triggers you’re experiencing while also addressing the root causes of the addiction and the additional mental health problems you mentioned, like anxiety, PTSD and panic attacks. You won’t be forced to stop your Suboxone all at once, and you would likely taper off gradually throughout treatment.
You are not alone and you can do this!
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Brandi says:
I have taken suboxone for over 2 years and recently moved away from my clinic and while waiting to transfer to a clinic in my new town, my old clinic cut my meds cold turkey because I couldn’t get to the next town to drug screen as I don’t drive or own a car. I have been told and I have read that it is dangerous to stop with no tapering. What should I do while awaiting my first appointment with JourneyPure in Lexington Kentucky next week? I’m in withdrawal and don’t want to relapse to stop the suffering.
Dr. David Zoeller M.D. 
Brandi
I have taken suboxone for over 2 years and recently moved away from my clinic and while waiting to transfer to a clinic in my new town, my old clinic cut my meds cold turkey because I couldn’t get to the next town to drug screen as I don’t drive or own a car. I have been told and I have read that it is dangerous to stop with no tapering. What should I do while awaiting my first appointment with JourneyPure in Lexington Kentucky next week? I’m in withdrawal and don’t want to relapse to stop the suffering.
I’m terrified. I started the program almost two months ago and have made major improvements in so many ways, but due to being taunted by two people who attempted to kill me in June, my daughter being abused in a relationship, and the adoption of two of my other children not to mention that when I was beaten severely they fractured my back in two places and the pain is unbearable. Someone was at my house visiting my son and offered me to smoke a methamphetamine pipe saying it would help me from my crying, panic and pain. I used it yesterday and I have a urine test tomorrow morning. I am terrified that they will no longer give me my Suboxone and I will not be able to handle that with everything else and I was really doing well. Please tell me what to do, I’m a very reclusive and person who’s scared of people due to several things in my life and only leave home for my appointment. I just cannot bring myself to tall them, I have been amazed that there are people like them that really want to help me, please can you find out the information and if I’d be cut off the worrying of it has my anxiety disorder PTSD panic attacks in a state that I can’t handle much longer thank you
Hi Gina, thanks for your comment. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, stay strong and you will get through this!
The best thing to do is be honest with your doctor or therapist about using methamphetamine. I know it’s difficult, but the meth stays detectable in your system for 2-3 days after your last use, so you will fail the test. Your treatment program will understand, you’re not the first person to relapse while on a Suboxone program. But, they may suggest a higher level of treatment.
I suggest inpatient treatment rather than outpatient Suboxone therapy. It would allow you to get away from the triggers you’re experiencing while also addressing the root causes of the addiction and the additional mental health problems you mentioned, like anxiety, PTSD and panic attacks. You won’t be forced to stop your Suboxone all at once, and you would likely taper off gradually throughout treatment.
You are not alone and you can do this!