Buprenorphine is a medication that helps treat opioid addiction. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. At Harmony Medical Clinic, we often prescribe buprenorphine as a tablet or film that you place under your tongue. It’s important to take this medication the right way so it can work properly. Here’s how to do it.
Why Put Buprenorphine Under Your Tongue?
Buprenorphine is absorbed through the skin under your tongue. This way, it goes directly into your bloodstream and works faster. If you swallow the tablet or film, it won’t work as well because your stomach will break it down.
How to Take Sublingual Buprenorphine Tablets
Rinse your mouth: Before taking the tablet, rinse your mouth with water. This helps the tablet dissolve better.
Place the tablet under your tongue: With clean, dry fingers, put the tablet under your tongue as far back as you can. If you need to take more than one tablet, you can put them all under your tongue at once or one at a time.
Let it dissolve: Do not chew, crush, or swallow the tablet. Let it dissolve completely. This might take a few minutes. Try not to talk or move your tongue while the tablet is dissolving.
Wait to eat or drink: After the tablet has dissolved, wait at least 10-15 minutes before eating or drinking anything. This ensures the medication is fully absorbed.
How to Take Sublingual Buprenorphine Films
Rinse your mouth: Just like with the tablets, rinse your mouth with water before taking the film.
Place the film under your tongue: Hold the film with clean, dry fingers. Place it under your tongue on one side, near the back. If you need to take more than one film, place the second one on the other side of your tongue.
Let it dissolve: Don’t chew or swallow the film. Let it dissolve completely without moving your tongue or talking.
Wait to eat or drink: After the film has dissolved, wait at least 10-15 minutes before eating or drinking.
Things to Avoid
Swallowing the medication: Swallowing buprenorphine makes it less effective. It needs to dissolve under your tongue to work best.
Talking or moving your mouth: This can slow down how quickly the medication dissolves and make it less effective.
Overlapping films: If you’re using more than one film, place them on opposite sides of your tongue. Don’t stack them on top of each other.
Why It’s Important to Take Buprenorphine Correctly
Taking buprenorphine the right way helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. If you don’t take it correctly, the medication might not work as well, which could lead to a higher risk of relapse. By following these simple steps, you can get the full benefit of the medication.
We’re Here to Help
At Harmony Medical Clinic, we are here to support you on your recovery journey. If you have questions or need help taking your medication, please reach out. We are here to help patients across Kansas get the care they need to succeed in their recovery.
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