What is the spit trick for Suboxone? An Explanation of the Practice and Its Risks

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Suboxone is an effective medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but its unique administration method has led to confusion and misinformation, including the question, "What is the spit trick for Suboxone?". The practice involves spitting out residual saliva after the medication dissolves to minimize unwanted side effects, a method different from dangerous misuse.

Quick Summary

The practice known as the Suboxone spit trick involves spitting out the residual saliva and dissolved medication after sublingual absorption to reduce side effects. It is distinct from medication misuse, as it occurs only after the active ingredients have been absorbed. The medication's effectiveness comes from sublingual, not oral, absorption.

Key Points

Spit Trick Definition: The "spit trick" involves spitting out residual saliva and medication after the Suboxone film or tablet has completely dissolved under the tongue.
Purpose: It is used to minimize minor side effects like headaches and constipation, which can occur from swallowing the inactive residue.
Safe vs. Misuse: The spit trick is not a form of misuse if performed after the full sublingual dose is absorbed. Misuse involves intentional tampering, such as snorting or injecting.
Sublingual Absorption is Key: Suboxone's active ingredients are designed to be absorbed sublingually into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system where they are less effective.
Naloxone's Role: The naloxone in Suboxone is an abuse deterrent. If misused via injection or snorting, it becomes active and triggers severe, immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Consult a Doctor: Proper administration and managing side effects should always be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Understanding the Purpose of the Suboxone Spit Trick

Suboxone is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone, used to treat opioid use disorder. It is available as a sublingual film or tablet that must be dissolved under the tongue to be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. When the medication is absorbed under the tongue (sublingually), the buprenorphine helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while the naloxone remains mostly inactive, serving as a deterrent against misuse by injection.

After the Suboxone film or tablet has completely dissolved, a chalky residue often mixes with saliva. The "spit trick" is the practice of spitting out this remaining saliva and residue rather than swallowing it. Many patients use this technique to avoid or lessen common side effects associated with swallowing the inactive residue, such as:

Headaches
Nausea
Stomach upset and constipation

There is no additional therapeutic benefit to swallowing the leftover mixture, as the active medication has already been absorbed by the mucous membranes in the mouth. A key point of clarification is that the spit trick is not a form of misuse; it is a way to manage the medication's after-effects, provided it's done correctly after full sublingual dissolution.

The Proper Way to Administer Suboxone

For Suboxone to be safe and effective, it must be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Proper sublingual administration is critical for maximizing absorption and minimizing risks.

Steps for correct sublingual administration

Ensure dry mouth and hands: Before handling the film or tablet, ensure your hands and mouth are completely dry. Moisture can cause the medication to start dissolving before it's in the proper position.
Place the medication correctly: Place the film or tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Some manufacturers and clinicians suggest placing it inside the cheek for the film formulation.
Wait for full dissolution: Remain still, do not talk, and avoid eating or drinking until the medication has fully dissolved. This process can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the individual and formulation.
Wait after dissolving: Do not eat or drink for about 20-30 minutes after the medication is fully dissolved to ensure optimal absorption.
Spit out residue (optional): Once fully dissolved, if you experience side effects from swallowing the residue, you can spit it out. This is the official "spit trick" used to avoid unwanted symptoms without compromising the medication's effectiveness.

Understanding the Dangers of Suboxone Misuse

While the "spit trick" itself is a legitimate practice to manage side effects, it is crucial to distinguish it from the dangerous act of misusing Suboxone. Misuse occurs when the medication is taken in a way other than prescribed, often to achieve a different effect. The combination of buprenorphine (a partial opioid) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) is specifically designed to minimize this risk.

Risks of tampering with or misusing Suboxone

Precipitated withdrawal: Suboxone contains naloxone as an abuse deterrent. If an individual dependent on full opioids (like heroin or fentanyl) attempts to misuse Suboxone by snorting or injecting it, the naloxone becomes active and can trigger immediate, severe opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Ineffective treatment: Crushing and snorting Suboxone circumvents the intended sublingual absorption method. This can lead to the medication being less effective, as it is not absorbed properly into the bloodstream.
Tissue damage: Crushing and snorting Suboxone can cause significant damage to the nasal passages, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and infection. Injecting it also poses severe risks, including infection, blood clots, and damage to veins.
Increased overdose risk: While Suboxone has a lower potential for overdose than full opioid agonists due to its ceiling effect, it can still be fatal, especially if combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Comparison of Administration Methods


Feature	Proper Sublingual Administration	Suboxone Misuse (e.g., Snorting/Injecting)
Method	Film or tablet dissolved under the tongue	Crushed and snorted or dissolved and injected
Purpose	To treat opioid use disorder by managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms	To experience a high or otherwise circumvent the intended therapeutic purpose
Buprenorphine Absorption	Slow, steady absorption through the mouth's mucous membranes	Rapid, uncontrolled absorption, potentially triggering naloxone activity
Naloxone Action	Minimal to no effect due to low oral bioavailability	Active, triggering precipitated withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals
Side Effects	Headache, nausea, constipation (can be managed by the spit trick)	Severe withdrawal, tissue damage, overdose risk, infections
Safety	High safety profile when used as prescribed	Highly dangerous and carries a significant risk of severe consequences

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone is a structured process involving close supervision by a healthcare provider. Patients are guided through induction, stabilization, and maintenance phases, with dosage adjusted based on individual needs. Any questions or concerns about side effects should be addressed directly with a doctor, not through anecdotal advice found online. Proper administration techniques, including the use of the "spit trick" to mitigate side effects, should always be discussed with a medical professional to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Conclusion

The question, "what is the spit trick for Suboxone?" refers to a technique used to manage the common side effects of swallowing leftover medication residue after a full sublingual dose has been absorbed. When performed correctly after the medication has completely dissolved, it is not a form of misuse and can help improve patient comfort. However, it is vitally important to understand that altering the prescribed administration method, such as snorting or injecting, is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious consequences, including precipitated withdrawal. Patients should always follow their doctor's instructions for administering Suboxone and discuss any concerns to ensure their recovery is safe and effective. Reliable and accurate information, such as that provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose is to avoid minor side effects like upset stomach or headaches that can result from swallowing the inactive residue after the medication's active ingredients have been fully absorbed sublingually.

No, the spit trick itself is not dangerous if done after the medication has fully dissolved under the tongue. The danger lies in misusing the medication, such as manipulating the dose or using it in a way other than prescribed.

Swallowing Suboxone significantly reduces its effectiveness because the active ingredient, buprenorphine, is largely metabolized and broken down in the stomach, preventing it from reaching the bloodstream.

Naloxone is included as an abuse deterrent. If someone tries to misuse Suboxone by injecting or snorting it, the naloxone is activated and can trigger immediate and severe opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Place the film under your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely, which can take 5-15 minutes or longer. Avoid eating, drinking, or talking during this time to ensure maximum absorption.

While Suboxone has a 'ceiling effect' that limits opioid effects at higher doses, a fatal overdose can still occur, especially if the drug is combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Yes, it is possible to develop dependence on Suboxone due to its buprenorphine content. However, the risk is much lower than with full opioid agonists, and the medication's purpose is to manage opioid dependence under medical supervision.

You should wait at least 30 minutes after the film has completely dissolved before eating or drinking. This ensures the medication is fully absorbed and not washed away.