Suboxone and Saliva: What You Need to Know

When using Suboxone, one common question that arises is whether it is safe to swallow saliva after placing the medication under the tongue. This article aims to provide clarity on this matter, explaining the science behind how Suboxone works and how saliva plays a role in its administration.

Understanding Suboxone

Suboxone is a medication used for the treatment of opioid dependency, primarily containing two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist that helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone acts as an antagonist, preventing potential misuse by blocking the effects of opioids such as morphine or heroin.

The Suboxone Dissolution Process

Suboxone is designed to be placed under the tongue (sublingual) for optimal absorption. Once placed, it remains there for several minutes to allow the buprenorphine to dissolve and absorb into the tissues beneath the tongue. The buprenorphine then travels through the bloodstream to the brain, providing the necessary relief from withdrawal symptoms.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is released in the stomach when Suboxone is swallowed. Its primary role is to prevent the effects of injecting the medication by blocking the opiate receptors in the brain. Therefore, if you swallow Suboxone, the naloxone works to negate the effects of buprenorphine in the brain, making it less likely to be abused.

Can You Swallow Your Saliva?

It is perfectly safe to swallow your saliva after Suboxone has had time to dissolve and absorb. The process of saliva dissolving the medication is part of the intended design of Suboxone tablets. Swallowing your saliva does not affect the buprenorphine's absorption or effectiveness. In fact, it is a normal part of the medication's administration.

Swallowing the saliva is a natural part of the process and does not compromise the drug's effectiveness. The buprenorphine needs to have sufficient time to be absorbed under the tongue to be effective, but after that, the saliva can be swallowed or spit out as preferred.

Typical Dosage Instructions

When following the dosing instructions, it is essential to wait for a specified amount of time (typically several minutes) after placing the Suboxone tablet under the tongue for it to fully dissolve. However, once that time has elapsed, it is perfectly fine to swallow your saliva or spit it out. The primary concern is ensuring that the buprenorphine has had adequate time to absorb.

Effectiveness and Safety of Swallowed Suboxone

Swallowing Suboxone does not significantly affect its effectiveness. The human body filters out 80% of the buprenorphine in the liver before it reaches the brain. Therefore, when Swoboxide is swallowed, a substantial portion of the active ingredient is neutralized before reaching the brain. This does not impact the medication's effectiveness, as the primary goal is to provide relief from withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to note that swallowing Suboxone voluntarily is not considered an abuse. However, if you are intentionally swallowing Suboxone to bypass the sublingual absorption route, it is a different matter. Under such circumstances, the naloxone component would not be effective, and the buprenorphine could lead to withdrawal symptoms if it were to reach the brain.

Conclusion

In summary, it is safe and common to swallow your saliva after using Suboxone. The medication is designed to be used sublingually, but the process of dissolving and absorbing under the tongue includes the natural release of saliva. Swallowing your saliva does not impact the effectiveness of the medication in providing relief from withdrawal symptoms. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure the best results and safety.