Subutex and Suboxone are both medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), but they contain different active ingredients and have slightly different uses. Both medications are part of a class known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which helps individuals reduce or eliminate opioid use by relieving withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Here’s a comparison of the two:
1. Active Ingredients
Subutex contains buprenorphine as its only active ingredient. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at opioid receptors, meaning it activates these receptors but to a much lesser extent than full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high.
Suboxone, on the other hand, contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks opioid receptors and can reverse the effects of opioids, such as euphoria and respiratory depression.
2. Purpose of Naloxone in Suboxone
The naloxone in Suboxone is added to help prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject Suboxone or take it in a way other than prescribed (such as crushing and snorting or injecting it), the naloxone will block the opioid effects and can cause withdrawal symptoms. This makes it less likely that people will misuse the medication for recreational purposes.
Subutex, without naloxone, can be misused more easily because it doesn’t have this safeguard.
3. Use in Treatment
Subutex is typically used in the early stages of treatment for opioid addiction, particularly during detoxification or induction phases. This is when the patient is first transitioning from opioid use to buprenorphine treatment. During this time, a person may not yet be stabilized and may need only buprenorphine.
Suboxone is often prescribed after a person has been stabilized on buprenorphine (typically after the induction phase). It’s commonly used for maintenance treatment, as it offers the added safety of naloxone to deter misuse.
4. Misuse Potential
Subutex has a higher potential for misuse because it does not contain naloxone. Some people may try to misuse it by injecting or abusing it in other ways to get high.
Suboxone, with the inclusion of naloxone, is less likely to be misused, especially when taken as directed (sublingually or as directed by a healthcare provider).
5. Side Effects
Both Subutex and Suboxone share similar side effects due to the buprenorphine component, including headache, nausea, constipation, dizziness, and insomnia. However, the presence of naloxone in Suboxone might cause some mild withdrawal symptoms if someone is already physically dependent on opioids, especially if they misuse the drug.
6. Legal and Prescribing Considerations
Subutex is generally prescribed in more controlled settings and is sometimes limited in its availability. It’s often given during the initial stages of treatment under close medical supervision.
Suboxone is more widely prescribed for long-term maintenance and is available in various forms, including sublingual tablets and films.
7. Cost and Availability
Both medications are available in generic forms, and the cost can vary depending on factors like insurance coverage and local pharmacies.
Suboxone films and tablets are more commonly available in many pharmacies, and some people may find these easier to take than the sublingual tablets of Subutex. For online suboxone doctor near me 21237 or Online Suboxone Clinic Near Me 21222, call now.
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