What Happens If I Swallow Subutex? - Addiction Resource

Home » What Happens When U Swallow Suboxone » What Happens If I Swallow Subutex? - Addiction Resource

Maybe your like

answered by Treatment X Evidence Based What Happens If I Swallow Subutex? Written by Elise Altonen, LLPC Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on December 5, 2025

Subutex comes in the form of a dissolvable tablet. It will not work if it is chewed or swallowed. Swallowing Subutex could lead to opioid withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.

ON THIS PAGE:
  • Can You Swallow Subutex?
  • Side Effects
  • What To Do
  • How Subutex Differs
  • Proper Handling
  • Show More
Addiction Resource Logo Why Trust Recovery Guide

At Recovery Guide, our mission is to connect as many individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders to reputable treatment facilities.

To achieve this goal, we set strict guidelines for our editorial team to follow when writing about facilities and utilize behavioral healthcare experts to review medical content for accuracy.

While we receive compensation in the form of paid advertisements, these advertisements have absolutely no impact on our content due to our editorial independence policy.

Subutex is a brand name for buprenorphine, a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The drug comes as a sublingual tablet, which means it’s designed to be placed under the tongue where it dissolves and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This specific method of administration is essential for the medication to work properly and effectively treat opioid withdrawal symptoms and dependence.

Swallowing Subutex tablets whole instead of letting them dissolve under the tongue can significantly reduce the medication’s effectiveness or prevent it from working at all. This is because buprenorphine has poor oral bioavailability, meaning that when it passes through the digestive system and liver, most of the drug is broken down before it can reach the bloodstream and brain where it’s needed.

Learn more about the use of Suboxone in medication-assisted treatment

Can You Swallow Subutex Pills?

It’s not recommended that people who are taking Subutex swallow their dose. This is not how it’s intended to be taken. This reduces its bioavailability and will cause the drug not to work. People who are taking Subutex should allow the drug to dissolve completely after placing it under the tongue to ensure it absorbs properly.

It can take Subutex about five to 10 minutes to dissolve completely after it’s placed under the tongue. Swallowing it before this could affect its absorption and lead to withdrawal. Do not eat, drink, or talk until the Subutex tablet, or tablets if taking multiple, have fully dissolved.

Side Effects Of Swallowing Subutex

Swallowing Subutex isn’t dangerous, but it will cause the drug not to work. Because it’s prescribed for opioid dependence, this could lead to opiate withdrawal symptoms.

Potential side effects of swallowing Subutex might include:

  • nausea
  • muscle and bone pain
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • insomnia
  • runny nose
  • teary eyes

If you experience opioid withdrawal symptoms after swallowing Subutex, this may be a sign that the drug did not absorb properly, or that you’re taking too low a dose for it to be effective.

Read more about the side effects of Subutex

Ad Get Support If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, getting help is just a phone call away, or consider trying therapy online with BetterHelp. Exclusive offer: 20% Off BetterHelp* Try Therapy Online With BetterHelp As a BetterHelp affiliate, we receive commissions if you purchase through the BetterHelp links above. *Get 20% off your first month of BetterHelp. This offer is only available to users who have never received therapy with BetterHelp.

What To Do If You Swallow Subutex

If you’ve swallowed Subutex, the first thing to do is to contact your doctor. Your doctor can provide guidance on what to do, based on details pertaining to your specific situation. Do not take a second dose, or a reduced dose, without first consulting your healthcare provider.

How Subutex Differs From Suboxone

Subutex and Suboxone are both medications used to treat opioid addiction, but they have important differences. Subutex contains only buprenorphine, while Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. The naloxone in Suboxone discourages misuse, if someone tries to inject or snort it, the naloxone causes immediate withdrawal symptoms, whereas it remains inactive when taken properly under the tongue.

Subutex is typically prescribed during early stages of treatment, especially for pregnant women or people who have negative reactions to naloxone. Suboxone is more commonly used for maintenance treatment after initial stabilization. Both medications must be taken sublingually to work properly, and swallowing either reduces effectiveness. The choice between them depends on individual circumstances, treatment stage, and doctor recommendation.

Proper Storage And Handling Of Subutex

Proper storage and handling of Subutex is important for safety and effectiveness. Store tablets in their original packaging at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep medication in a secure location out of reach of children, pets, and anyone who might misuse it. Buprenorphine can be dangerous or fatal to people who are not opioid-tolerant, especially children.

Never share your Subutex prescription with others, even those with opioid addiction. Sharing prescription medications is illegal and dangerous. Handle tablets with clean, dry hands. If a tablet becomes contaminated, contact your pharmacy for guidance. Dispose of unused or expired Subutex by flushing it down the toilet or using a drug take-back program. Never throw it in the trash where others could find it.

For more information about addiction recovery, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

This page does not provide medical advice. See more Article resources

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — SUBUTEX (buprenorphine sublingual tablets)https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020732s018lbl.pdf
  • U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus — Buprenorphine Sublingual and Buccal (opioid dependence)https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605002.html
  • Was this Helpful?
  • YesNo
Home > MAT > Buprenorphine > Subutex > What Happens If Swallowed? People also read What Is Subutex Used For? Subutex Side Effects

All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at [email protected].

About This Ad

Close

This is a paid advertisement. The treatment provider shown has purchased ad placement on AddictionResource.net and is clearly identified, so you know exactly who you are contacting.

We sell advertising space only. We are not a treatment provider and do not offer medical advice, clinical services, or treatment referrals. When you call, you will only reach the advertiser identified in this ad.

We do not endorse any advertiser or guarantee the quality of care, outcomes, or results.

For more details, see our Advertising Policy. Providers interested in advertising can explore marketing options here.

Addiction Resource Logo

Get Help Today

(844) 994-1177 Addiction Resource Logo × Close Panel

Tag » What Happens When U Swallow Suboxone