Suboxone® or Subutex®
To understand the difference between Suboxone® and Subutex®, a crucial comparison for those exploring opioid addiction treatment, you must first understand the role of buprenorphine. Before 2000, methadone was the primary medication. In 2023, buprenorphine treatment gained new FDA approval, offering a new avenue for treatment. This introduction set the stage for the Subutex vs Suboxone debate.
Buprenorphine, in conjunction with opioid addiction counseling and behavioral therapy, has proven highly effective. It lowers misuse potential, decreases withdrawal symptoms, and provides overdose protection. This key ingredient is found in both Suboxone® and Subutex®, making them opiate blockers. When considering Subutex vs Suboxone, it’s important to note that buprenorphine is a Schedule III substance, indicating a lower abuse potential compared to methadone’s Schedule II.
If buprenorphine is chosen for your treatment, you’ll encounter the two primary formulations: Suboxone® and Subutex®. Understanding the nuances of Subutex vs Suboxone is crucial for informed decision-making.
The Similarities Between Suboxone® and Subutex®
Both Suboxone® and Subutex® are used in opioid addiction treatment. They interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, mitigating cravings and withdrawal without inducing euphoria. This shared mechanism is central to the Subutex vs Suboxone comparison.
The Key Difference: Subutex vs Suboxone
The main difference in the Subutex vs. Suboxone discussion is the presence of naloxone. Suboxone® contains naloxone, while Subutex® does not. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, prevents misuse by blocking opioid effects. It’s inactive when taken orally but becomes active if injected, deterring abuse. Suboxone® combines buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex® contains only buprenorphine.
Which One Is Right for Me?
Your provider will help determine the appropriate formulation. Both Suboxone® and Subutex® reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting treatment adherence. When weighing Subutex vs Suboxone, consider individual needs. Typically, Suboxone® treatment is preferred. However, Subutex® may be chosen for pregnant patients or those with naloxone allergies. The Subutex vs Suboxone decision is tailored to individual circumstances.
How to Take Subutex®
When you’re prescribed Subutex®, you’ll receive a number of tablets, depending on your dosage allotment. You should take the medication exactly as your doctor prescribes, but in general, you’ll be expected to take it once a day for the first few days of your detox. Taking it soon after symptoms start is the best time. Although it may be tempting to start before your symptoms appear to keep from feeling the worst of things, this can bring on withdrawal symptoms before their time and cause you more discomfort.
When you take this prescription, take one tablet or as many as prescribed and place it under your tongue. Let it dissolve completely before swallowing — it usually takes between five and 10 minutes. Swallowing or chewing the medication as opposed to putting it under your tongue will affect its potency and effects.
Once it’s dissolved, take a sip of water and swish it around your mouth so the medication mixes with it, then swallow. The water will prevent teeth and mouth issues. You should also avoid brushing your teeth for an hour after taking the medication. For the best effects, take this medication at the same time every day and use the proper dosage for you.
Do not try to inject buprenorphine in any other way than how your doctor tells you to. This action is dangerous and can cause intense withdrawal symptoms, particularly dizziness, headaches, and constipation. You’ll likely only be taking Subutex® for a few days before switching to long-term Suboxone®.
How to Take Suboxone®
There are a few different ways you might be prescribed to take Suboxone. Again, your medication will depend on your specific medical history and needs, so type and dosage can vary from person to person. The FDA has approved three forms of absorption:
- Sublingual tablets: Similar to Subutex® tablets, these pills are meant to be placed under the tongue until they dissolve.
- Sublingual films: This form works the same way as the tablets by going under the tongue and dissolving, but it looks like a patch.
- Buccal films: Instead of placing this film under the tongue to dissolve, you’ll put it between your cheek and gums.
Although side effects aren’t shared with Suboxone®, they can occur. Aside from rare allergic reactions, you may experience excessive sweating, fatigue, back pain, depression, nausea or constipation. You may also notice a burning tongue or redness in your mouth. More serious reactions can include breathing problems, dependence, and liver damage. The best way to prevent serious side effects is to take your prescription only as directed and contact your prescriber if you start to feel off.
Get in Touch With AppleGate Recovery
If you’re considering medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, AppleGate Recovery can help. Understanding the differences between Subutex vs Suboxone is a part of this process.
FAQ About Subutex vs Suboxone
What is better, Suboxone or Subutex?
Suboxone is generally preferred due to its naloxone content, which deters misuse. However, Subutex may be chosen for pregnant patients or those with naloxone allergies. The better option depends on the patient.
Why would a doctor prescribe Subutex over Suboxone?
Doctors prescribe Subutex when patients are pregnant or have a documented allergy to naloxone.
Why is Subutex discontinued?
Subutex is not fully discontinued, but Suboxone is more commonly prescribed due to its abuse-deterrent properties. Subutex remains an option for specific patient needs.
What is Subutex prescribed for?
Subutex is prescribed for the treatment of opioid dependence, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
What is the 3-day rule for Suboxone?
There is no standard “3-day rule” for Suboxone. Suboxone induction protocols vary based on individual patient needs and the severity of opioid dependence. Induction should be done under medical supervision.
Is Subutex a scheduled narcotic?
Yes, Subutex (buprenorphine) is a Schedule III controlled substance.
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