Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone? A Complete Guide

Is Buprenorphine the same as Suboxone? NO! Buprenorphine is NOT the same as Suboxone.  Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone to treat opioid dependence, while buprenorphine alone can be used for both opioid dependence and pain management.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant public health issue in the US, with over 70,000 deaths from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2021. However, medication-assisted treatments (MAT) offer an effective solution. Common FDA-approved medications used during MAT include Suboxone and Buprenorphine. Stay with us as we will thoroughly compare Buprenorphine and Suboxone. We will also shed light on the following:

1. Which medication is used during MAT programs
2. Steps to get same-day Suboxone prescription
3. How do Suboxone and Buprenorphine work

If you need same-day consultations and a Suboxone prescription, contact ChoicePoint, a co-occurring addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey. We offer in-person and virtual personalized addiction treatments!  

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Buprenorphine Vs Suboxone- Brief Overview

1. Clinics prefer prescribing Suboxone for at-home treatment due to its naloxone component. It deters misuse, making it safer; it is often used in MAT programs with therapy and social services.
2. Buprenorphine is administered by doctors in the office during early treatment phases with the possibility of transitioning to Suboxone at home. Patients intolerant to naloxone may continue with standalone buprenorphine.

Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone?- A Detailed Guide

Suboxone contains Naloxone; Buprenorphine does not. However, both medications are partial opioid agonists targeting the brain’s opioid receptors to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is less likely to be abused because it includes Naloxone. Let’s discuss in detail how Suboxone is different from Buprenorphine in other ways:

a. Medication Details

Take a look at the ingredients of Suboxone and Buprenorphine:

b. Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Buprenorphine and Suboxone is almost the same; take a look:

c. Usage in Treatment

Suboxone and Buprenorphine are the key ingredients when it comes to treating opioid use disorder.

d. Brand Names

Check out the availability of Suboxone and Buprenorphine in the market:

e. Abuse Potential

Any medication used with a doctor’s proper prescription or guidance may cause harmful effects. Take a look at the abuse potential of Suboxone vs Buprenorphine:

Medication-Assisted Treatment And The Use Of Suboxone VS Buprenorphine

Suboxone is a part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling. It also provides a comprehensive approach to treating OUD and aims to improve long-term outcomes and prevent relapses. 

1. Role of Suboxone in MAT

Following are some common roles of Suboxone in MAT:

1. Used for long-term maintenance following a medically managed detox.
2. It helps to suppress the euphoria associated with opiate use, reducing the desire to relapse.
3. Improves treatment safety by preserving opioid tolerance, which lowers the chance of fatal overdoses if opioid use is restarted.
4. It helps patients by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

2. Role of Buprenorphine in MAT

Following are some common roles of Buprenorphine in MAT:

1. Buprenorphine is used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies.
2. It has a ceiling effect, which means that ingesting more than a specific amount will not increase the opioid effects. This lowers the danger of abuse, overdose, and dependence.
3. Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, meeting the demand for an opioid without producing a high.
4. It is a partial opioid agonist given to treat opioid use disorder.

Difference Between SUBOXONE® and Buprenorphine

Is Suboxone a Potential Treatment for Opioid Dependence?

While we are on the topic of is buprenorphine same as suboxone, let’s take a look at why Suboxone may be the safest FDA-approved medicine for treating opioid use disorder: 

1. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, an opioid that lessens cravings and withdrawal symptoms by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors.
2. It also contains naloxone, an opioid blocker, to prevent abuse if Suboxone is overused.
3. Suboxone does not provide strong psychoactive effects or a euphoric high.
4. Patients report feeling normal, clear-headed, and able to operate while taking maintenance doses.

Buprenorphine vs Suboxone- Is One More Effective Than Another?

Without deviating from the actual question, which is” Is suboxone the same as buprenorphine?” let’s clarify that both buprenorphine and Suboxone have shown beneficial in helping people quit opioid abuse and achieve long-term recovery, with no clear winner. Here is why:

• Pure buprenorphine is indicated for people allergic to naloxone, while Sublocade provides an injectable option for those who prefer not to take daily doses. 
• Suboxone, which contains naloxone, is typically seen as safer because of its misuse-deterrent features, making it the preferable option for people concerned about medication abuse.

Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone?- A Conclusion! 

To sum up, “is buprenorphine and suboxone the same?” Understand that Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that acts as a partial opioid agonist. At the same time, Suboxone is a brand-name medicine that is used in conjunction with counseling to treat OUD. It includes two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. People with opioid use disorder (OUD) have a potentially life-threatening pattern of opioid addiction. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and Suboxone, which combines buprenorphine and the opioid antagonist naloxone, are used along with counseling to treat OUD. Hence, Suboxone and Buprenorphine are not the same! 

Get Same-Day MAT Prescriptions at ChoicePoint

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, then you are the best candidate for same-day MAT prescriptions. Follow these simple steps:

1. Call ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565 as our doctors are certified to prescribe MAT.
2. Speak directly with our DEA-certified practitioners.
3. Get evaluated by them thoroughly.
4. Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment for further assistance.
5. Verify Insurance.
6. Get a same-day prescription! 

Get rid of addiction and seek help now; call ChoicePoint at 844.445.2565, and put yourself on a path to a happy and sober life! 

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Help Section for Is Buprenorphine the Same as Suboxone

Check out our help section for more information; 

Is Buprenorphine An Opioid, And Can Buprenorphine Be Used For Pain?

Yes, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, and it can be used for moderate-to-severe pain management.

Is Buprenorphine Generic (non-branded version) For Suboxone?

No! Buprenorphine is not the generic for Suboxone; Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. While buprenorphine is a single-ingredient medication.

How Long Does Buprenorphine Stay In Your System?

Buprenorphine can stay in your system for up to 7 days. 

How do I store Buprenorphine or Suboxone?

You may store at room temperature (68-77°F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Keep the medication in its original packaging and ensure the bottle is tightly closed when not in use. To prevent misuse, store your medicine in a secure location that is out of reach of others.

Can Suboxone Interact With Other Medications?

Yes, Suboxone can interact with other medications, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you’re taking. Common medications that may be avoided include:

1. Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
2. Sedatives and sleep aids
3. Muscle relaxants
4. Antidepressants
5. Other opioids or opioid-containing medications
6. Certain antihistamines and allergy medications
7. Some cough and cold medications containing opioids or sedating ingredients
8. Alcohol and illicit drugs

What Are The Advantages Of Prescribing Buprenorphine Rather Than Methadone?

The benefits of prescribing Buprenorphine include:

1. Buprenorphine is safe even at large doses. 
2. Optional therapeutic doses can be obtained rather rapidly. 
3. There is a decreased risk of substance abuse and diversion. 
4. The medication can be easily tapered.

References

1. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
2. https://www.suboxone.com/pdfs/medication-guide.pdf 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545816/ 
4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat