What is the Suboxone® spit trick?

Suboxone® is one of the most trusted medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Suboxone can help ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms, giving you a steadier, more manageable path forward.

If you’re starting your recovery journey and are receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) under the guidance of a licensed provider, they’ll walk you through the process of when and how to take Suboxone. 

To take Suboxone, you place a dissolvable film under your tongue and let it absorb fully without swallowing or chewing. While your provider will tell you how often to take it, one key detail many people overlook is what to do after it dissolves. That’s where the “spit trick” comes in.

Despite the quirky name, the spit trick isn’t a hack. Rather, it’s a simple step that helps you get the most from your medication while minimizing side effects. Here’s how it works: once the film has completely dissolved (usually in 5 to 15 minutes), you spit out the leftover saliva instead of swallowing it.

This matters because swallowing that residue can lead to avoidable discomfort like nausea or headaches, without adding any benefit. Just like you’d wait 15 to 30 minutes before and after dosing to eat or drink, spitting out the saliva helps ensure the medication works as intended.

Understanding the Suboxone spit trick

You might be wondering: “Am I really supposed to spit out my saliva after taking Suboxone?” Yes, you should. And it makes perfect sense once you understand how the medication works.

Suboxone contains two active ingredients:

• Buprenorphine: a partial opioid agonist that helps calm cravings and withdrawal by gently activating opioid receptors in the brain. This ingredient activates them just enough to help, but not enough to cause a high.
• Naloxone: an opioid blocker that stays mostly inactive when taken correctly (under the tongue), but helps avoid misuse if someone tries to inject the medication.
  

When you place the film under your tongue, the buprenorphine is absorbed directly through the tissues in your mouth, straight into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s so important to let it dissolve completely, undisturbed. Once it’s gone, what’s left in your saliva is mostly inactive filler and the naloxone.

If you swallow that leftover saliva, the naloxone and other components can irritate your digestive system. This can potentially trigger side effects like headaches, nausea, or constipation. 

The spit trick can help you absorb what you need and spit out what you don’t. While recovery isn’t always an easy road, any technique that helps you take your medication as intended and not feel unpleasant side effects can help you stay on track with your treatment program. 

Why spitting out residue helps reduce side effects

Many people assume opioid receptors only exist in the brain, but they’re also found in your gut. When naloxone or inactive ingredients from Suboxone reach your digestive tract (via swallowing), they can overstimulate those receptors, slowing down your system.

That’s why some people report nausea, abdominal discomfort, or constipation, especially if they swallow the post-dose saliva. These aren’t signs that the medication isn’t working. They’re just avoidable reactions to ingredients that were never meant to be digested.

By spitting out the residual saliva, you avoid that unnecessary exposure and stay focused on your recovery.  

Common mistakes when using the Suboxone spit trick

It’s completely normal to feel unsure or even a little anxious when you’re new to Suboxone. You’re learning a new routine while making major changes in your life. While the spit trick is helpful, doing it incorrectly can reduce how well the medication works. Here are a few things to watch for:

• Spitting too soon: If you spit before the film fully dissolves (which can take up to 15 minutes), you might lose some of the buprenorphine before it’s absorbed. Set a timer if it helps!
• Talking or moving the film: Shifting the film around with your tongue or talking while it’s in your mouth can interrupt absorption. Try to stay quiet and still while it dissolves.
• Eating or drinking too close to your dose: Food or liquid in your mouth can dilute the medication or trigger extra saliva, which might make you swallow without realizing it. Aim for a clean, dry mouth before dosing.
• Eating or drinking too soon afterward: Wait at least 15–30 minutes after spitting before having anything. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water afterward and spit that out too, just to clear any lingering traces.
  

The path to recovery isn’t always perfect. And there’s bound to be some trial and error with getting the “spit trick” down pat. Working with your provider and developing a strong support system can help you better understand the road ahead and give yourself more ways to feel stable and supported.

Finding help with QuickMD 

The spit trick might feel a little odd at first. But it quickly becomes second nature, especially when you start noticing fewer side effects and more consistent relief.

At QuickMD, we know that starting treatment for OUD takes courage. That’s why we offer compassionate, judgment-free telemedicine care from licensed providers who specialize in MAT. Your provider will walk you through every step, including dosing, timing, and side effect management. No matter what questions you have, you’ll always get answers and respect at every stage of your recovery.