Subutex -Buprenorphine General Practice Information & Advice

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What is Subutex?

Subutex sublingual tablets contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a type of medicine called an opioid.

Opioids are painkillers such as codeine, morphine and diamorphine (heroin) that work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. However, opioids also act in the brain to cause feelings of euphoria and hallucinations. They can be addictive and people taking them long-term can become dependent on them.


Subutex or buprenorphine, which is its trade name, is one of a number of synthetic opiates that are manufactured for medical use and have similar effects to heroin and morphine.

Subutex is mainly used today as a substitute for heroin, in an attempt to relieve some of the problems associated with heroin addiction. Subutex is different from Methadone and Heroin because it does not have such a strong effect on the brain.

How is subutex taken?

Subutex is usually taken orally, it is placed under the tongue and dissolved there for about 5-10 minutes. If the drug is chewed or swallowed it will not work.

What are the side effects of taking subutex?

Subutex can cause unexpected drops in blood pressure, which could result in feeling faint or fainting if you get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. Subutex can also have side effects such as headaches, insomnia, nausea and constipation.

What are the long-term effects of taking subutex?

Subutex is addictive and overdose can occur if taken with other medication or with alcohol.

What class of drug is subutex?

Subutex is a class C drug, the maximum penalty for possession is 2 years in jail plus an unlimited fine. The maximum penalty for supplying or intent to supply is 14 years in jail plus an unlimited fine.

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Subutex (Buprenorphine) –Opum & General Practice Notebook

Buprenorphine (Subutex) was licensed in the UK for the treatment of opiate dependence in 1998 after studies found it to be less addictive

If you stop taking heroin, buprenorphine can prevent or reduce the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Many people stay on buprenorphine long-term, but some people gradually reduce the dose and come off drugs altogether. You should not take any street drugs or much alcohol when you are taking buprenorphine.

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What is heroin addiction?

If you are addicted to heroin it means that you develop withdrawal symptoms within a day or so of the last dose. So, if you are addicted to heroin you need a regular dose to feel 'normal'.

Withdrawal symptoms can include: sweating, feeling hot and cold, runny eyes and nose, yawning, being off food, stomach cramps, feeling sick or vomiting, diarrhoea, tremor, poor sleep, restlessness, general aches and pains, and just feeling awful. Withdrawal symptoms tend to ease and go within five days. However, you may then have persistent craving for heroin, remain tired, and have poor sleep for quite some time afterwards.

What is buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine (trade name Subutex) is an opioid drug that is similar to heroin. It can be prescribed. If you take buprenorphine, you are unlikely to get withdrawal symptoms if you stop heroin (or the withdrawal symptoms are much less severe). It also helps to reduce cravings for heroin. The drug most commonly prescribed as a substitute for heroin is methadone. However, buprenorphine is sometimes preferred as:

  • some people feel more 'clear headed' with buprenorphine than with methadone.

  • some people have difficulties using methadone.

  • it tends to be easier to come off (detox) than with methadone. Some people take methadone long-term for 'maintenance', but switch to buprenorphine if they decide to 'detox'.

  • it is possibly safer if taken in overdose than methadone.

If you take buprenorphine (or methadone) under supervision from a doctor instead of street heroin, you are:

  • more likely to be able to get away from the street 'drug scene'.

  • are likely to feel better in yourself.

  • are more likely to be able to get off drugs for good.

Who prescribes buprenorphine, and when?

Many GPs will refer you to a community drug team to be assessed. Following assessment, the community drug team may prescribe buprenorphine. Some GPs work in a 'shared care' arrangement and will prescribe whatever is recommended for you by a community drug team. Some GPs who are specially trained may assess and prescribe buprenorphine without the need for referral.

Assessment usually includes:

  • taking details of your health and social circumstances.

  • taking details of your past and current drug taking, and whether buprenorphine is needed or appropriate.

  • an examination.

  • a urine test (or a mouth swab test) to confirm the drugs you are taking.

  • an assessment of what you think you need at this present time.

If you have been injecting drugs such as heroin, it is also common to advise:

  • a blood test which includes testing for HIV, checking the health of your liver (liver function tests), and checking for hepatitis A, B and C.

  • immunisation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tetanus (if not previously immunised).

  • if appropriate, immunisation against hepatitis B for your partner and children.

  • about the dangers of injecting, of using shared needles and syringes, and other ways to reduce harm to yourself.

Starting off with buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is usually started some time after assessment when the results of the urine test are back. An initial dose is chosen, depending on current usage of heroin (or methadone).

Taking buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a tablet which you put under your tongue. The tablet dissolves over 3-7 minutes and is absorbed straight into the bloodstream from your mouth. (The tablets do not work if you swallow them into the stomach.) It is usually prescribed as a once daily dose. You will usually be asked to take it under the supervision of the pharmacist who dispenses the buprenorphine to you. This means there can be no doubt about how much you take each dose. This supervision may be relaxed after a few months if you are taking a regular maintenance dose. The taste of buprenorphine can be quite bitter.

The first dose
The timing of the first dose is important.

  • If you are taking heroin - you take the first dose of buprenorphine at least eight hours after taking your last dose of heroin.

  • If you are taking methadone - you take the first dose of buprenorphine between 24 and 36 hours after your last dose of methadone.

The reason for these timings is because, for buprenorphine to work well, you need to take it when your body has low levels of heroin or methadone. So, the aim is to take the first dose only when you feel some withdrawal symptoms starting. This tends to be about eight hours after the last dose of heroin, and longer after the last dose of methadone. If you take buprenorphine sooner, it can actually cause withdrawal symptoms to suddenly develop.

Getting to the right dose
The initial dose will usually need to be increased. You will usually be given a higher dose on the second and third days by which time you should not be feeling any withdrawal symptoms. It is very important that you do not take any heroin or methadone during this time as this will cause you to feel ill - as though you are withdrawing. Your dose may need to be increased again to prevent symptoms of craving but most people feel they have the correct dose within the first week.

Maintenance and coming off ('detox')
Once established on a regular dose, most people stay on buprenorphine for a long period of time or even long-term. This is called maintenance and helps you to keep off street drugs. Some people gradually reduce the dose and come off it. This is called detoxification or 'detox'. However, it usually takes several months, and sometimes years, before most people are ready to consider detox. It is often safer to stay on buprenorphine then to detox before you are ready.

Some other points about taking buprenorphine

Further help and support

Email:  service@subutex.co.uk

Email: help@subutex.co.uk

Email: Info@subutex.co.uk

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