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How To Successfully Taper Off Suboxone

How To Successfully Taper Off Suboxone

A Suboxone taper can help you get off this medication without experiencing severe withdrawal. Learn some tips for getting off Suboxone here.

Suboxone is a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. It is beneficial for treating withdrawal symptoms in the early stages of treatment and for preventing relapse while patients participate in counseling and other services on an ongoing basis. Buprenorphine, the main drug in Suboxone, reduces symptoms of craving and withdrawal by activating the same brain receptors that opioids occupy. 

While Suboxone is effective, patients may eventually decide that it’s time to stop taking the drug. When you and your healthcare provider determine that you’re ready to come off of this medication, a Suboxone taper can help you to discontinue your use. Tapering off Suboxone on an appropriate schedule can prevent you from experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms. 

Suboxone Taper: What Is It?

Quitting Suboxone can be challenging, because although it is a prescription medication, the body can develop a dependence upon it. This means that you become used to the presence of the drug, and if you abruptly stop using it, your body will go through Suboxone withdrawal

A Suboxone taper makes symptoms of withdrawal more manageable, because it involves gradually reducing your dose of the drug. Instead of stopping Suboxone cold turkey, you lower your dose over time so that the body can adapt. Weaning off Suboxone in this way means that your body will get used to having less and less Suboxone, so withdrawal symptoms are less severe. 

What Is The Best Way to Taper Off Suboxone?

There are different methods of Suboxone weaning, and the best strategy will depend upon each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Some patients will prefer a quick Suboxone taper plan, whereas others may benefit from tapering off Suboxone more slowly. Your Suboxone doctor can help you to develop a Suboxone detox schedule that works for you. 

People often wonder about the best way to get off Suboxone, so researchers have conducted studies to determine the answer. A study that evaluated the firsthand experiences of people getting off Suboxone found that they tended to be more successful with a longer buprenorphine taper schedule. Patients in the study reported an average Suboxone taper of 95 days.

On the other hand, a clinical study supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that patients who completed a 7-day Suboxone detox were more likely to be opioid-free at the end of the Suboxone taper when compared to those on a 28-day schedule. Despite this fact, withdrawal symptoms were higher among those on the 7-day compared to the 28-day Suboxone wean at a one-month follow-up point. 

What can be concluded from these results is that there are multiple Suboxone taper regimens that can be effective. Some patients do better with a shorter tapering schedule, whereas others have better outcomes with a longer, slower Suboxone wean. Ultimately, the best method of quitting Suboxone is one that will keep you as comfortable as possible without leading to a relapse. It’s critical to consult with your physician about the best tapering schedule. 

Standard Dosing Guide for Suboxone Taper

Your plan for tapering off Suboxone will depend upon the dose of the medication you have been taking, as well as the length of the taper you and your doctor decide upon. Below are recommended tapering guides for various Suboxone doses. As indicated in the charts, a short Suboxone taper may last for just 7 days, whereas a longer Suboxone wean may be 28 days. 

7-Day Suboxone Detox Schedule

7-day suboxone detox schedule

28-Day Suboxone Detox Schedule 

28-day suboxone detox schedule

Keep in mind that the charts above are just a guideline. If you’re looking for advice on how to stop taking Suboxone, it is important to consult with your Suboxone doctor to determine a tapering schedule that meets your needs. 

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How Long Will It Take Me To Get Off Suboxone?

So, how long does it take to come off Suboxone? The answer to that question will vary for everyone. A quick Suboxone taper plan may take only a week and may be more suitable for people on lower doses of the drug. On the other hand, some patients may find that getting off Suboxone takes a month or longer. 

Your doctor can help you to create a Suboxone detox schedule that is an appropriate length for your situation. What works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. The best Suboxone taper schedule is one that allows you to remain as comfortable as possible as your body detoxes from the medication. 

Does Buprenorphine Need To Be Tapered?

If you’re taking a medication like Suboxone, which contains the active drug buprenorphine, the best course of action is to taper off the medication by following a Suboxone detox schedule defined by a medical professional. Quitting Suboxone without a taper is not recommended, because the abrupt cessation of the drug can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms. 

Tips For Getting Off Suboxone 

If you’re looking for advice on how to wean off Suboxone at home, the tips below can help you to get through your Suboxone taper. Keep in mind that you should still consult with a doctor about the best way to taper off Suboxone. 

Make Time For Exercise 

Exercise boosts your mood and can take your mind off of withdrawal symptoms, so it can be helpful when you’re in the midst of Suboxone weaning. In fact, patients who have undergone a Suboxone taper have reported that physical activity was beneficial for them. 

Be Sure To Hydrate

Coming off of Suboxone, especially if you use a short Suboxone taper, may result in some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, including diarrhea. This makes it important for you to hydrate with water to keep your body functioning optimally.

Practice Self-Care

It’s normal to feel tired when tapering off Suboxone, so it’s okay to take some time for self-care. This may involve saying no to extra commitments and taking extra time for rest and recovery. 

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Consult With Suboxone Doctors Online Through Confidant Health 

If you’re looking for convenient opioid addiction treatment, Confidant Health’s online Suboxone clinic is here to help. You can access a Suboxone doctor through our app and get the treatment you need from the privacy of home. When you’re ready to stop taking Suboxone, one of our doctors will develop a tapering schedule with you so you can learn how to wean off Suboxone without withdrawal. Our online Suboxone clinic is available on both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. Download the app today to get started. 

This article has been medically reviewed by
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Nurse Practitioner

Erin is a Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience in midwifery and women's health. She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.

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