Suboxone® is a brand of a medication that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Doctors prescribe it as a medication to treat opioid use disorder. Other names commonly used are the brands Zubsolv, Subutex (buprenorphine without naloxone), typically called "subs" or "bupe," and Sublocade, an injectable version.

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, which means it triggers the same pleasurable sensations you feel when taking opioids, but to a lesser degree. The pleasurable effects from Suboxone increase with each dose, but they level off at a moderate dose, even if you take more. This is called the "ceiling effect" and is part of what makes buprenorphine such a unique treatment option.

Naloxone is not readily absorbed from Suboxone when taken as prescribed. It is in Suboxone predominantly as a deterrent to misuse, and will be absorbed if injected. Naloxone is a potent opioid antagonist that will cause withdrawal if taken by someone who has recently taken opioids.