How soon can suboxone be taken after narcotics?

Answer 1

Before answering any type of question about medications, I would advise always being cautious when seeking any type of medical advice on the internet and always consult with your regular physician before making any changes to your prescription medications. The answer I am providing for you is for general information and should not be accepted as a substitute for guidance from a medical professional.

Your answer in short: it depends on what narcotics (opioids) have been taken and what their individual "peak onset of action" is.

This can vary greatly among the different opioids out there (heroin, Oxycontin/oxycodone, Lortab/Norco/hydrocodone, propoxyphene, morphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, codeine, etc) . It is not generally dependent on how long the user has been taking the specific opioid as chronic use/addiction is understood as a requirement of this drugs prescription requirement.


Only a doctor specializing in drug-dependence in a regular medical setting can answer this question more specifically without risk of liability. There is also training required of physicians that is specific to this drug before the physician is allowed to prescribe it.


For general information, there are two known possible adverse events that can happen if Suboxone is taken to quickly after narcotic ingestion:


As buprenorphine, one of the two drugs that makes up Suboxone, is a mild opioid drug, it has the potential to have an additive effect of increased central nervous system (CNS) depression (as in, you could stop breathing, heart stop beating, etc).


Naloxone (Narcan) is a opioid antagonist (a "narcotic blocker" if you will) and can cause sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms (vomitng, seizures, agitation, etc).

Hope that helps and be sure to talk to your doctor.

Credentials: Medical student 4th year
Sources: Epocrates Essentials; Tarascon Pharmacopoea 2009