What is the best option for you? Suboxone or Subutex?
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, there are several approved medications that can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Two of the most common types of opioid addiction medications are Subutex and Suboxone. Wondering how Subutex and Suboxone differ? Wondering if one is a better option for you? Here's what you should know:
Subutex is a form of buprenorphine, which is often used in our medication-assisted treatment program here at the Neurowellness Clinic. This partial opioid agonist activates the opioid receptors in the brain to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone contains buprenorphine but also contains naloxone.
What is buprenorphine?
This is a synthesized opioid, which acts on the brain in the same way as painkillers; however, this synthetic opioid only partially binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, which makes the medications' effects milder than other drugs. When administered in low doses, buprenorphine can be helpful in alleviating and minimizing painful withdrawal symptoms.
What is naloxone?
This FDA-approved medication can reverse an opioid overdose. When mixed with buprenorphine, this medication has been successful and effective at reducing the risk of drug abuse.
Which medication is right for me?
Both Subutex and Suboxone offer the same function and work in the same way to reduce withdrawal symptoms from opioid abuse. While either of these medications can help you, if you are concerned about the potential for abusing one of these medications, then your doctor may recommend Suboxone instead of Subutex because of the added presence of naloxone.
Both medications are equally effective for preventing opioid misuse as well as easing unpleasant and sometimes painful opioid withdrawal symptoms. Since patients are no longer experiencing the effects of withdrawal they can more easily focus on therapy and treatment to help them cope with their symptoms and to end their substance abuse.