Subutex vs Suboxone; These are two medications commonly used to treat opioid addiction. Although they share a similar purpose, knowing their effectiveness and potential side effects is important. By taking a thoughtful and informed approach to your treatment plan, you can prioritize safety for yourself and your loved ones. This article aims to provide you with a better understanding of what to expect from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
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Difference Between Subutex vs Suboxone: A Detailed Answer
The main difference between the two is their formulation. Subutex® is essentially Buprenorphine, a partial agonist, while Suboxone® ingredients include Buprenorphine and Naloxone®, an opioid antagonist that blocks opiates. The aforementioned few differences are the main answers of Subutex vs Suboxone.
- Suboxone® was approved by the FDA’s approval in 2002 as a treatment for opioid use disorder and an alternative to methadone, a drug with a relatively high potential for abuse. Due to the presence of Naloxone®, a person does not experience severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Subutex® was approved in 2015 for pain management. As a treatment for OUD, Subutex® was approved in the same year as Suboxone®.
Why Are Subutex and Suboxone Prescribed?
To mitigate the impact of opioid addiction, Suboxone® and Subutex® work by blocking the brain’s receptors responsible for producing euphoria, effectively deceiving the brain into perceiving that it has received the required drug. As a result, the patient’s condition becomes more stabilized, enabling them to manage their addiction more effectively.
Weighing the Drawbacks: Subutex VS Suboxone in MAT
Being similar in formulation, Subutex and Suboxone possess similar side effects. Here’s the risk version of Subutex Vs Suboxone:
Subutex Side Effects: Normal to Severe
Like any medication, Subutex can have side effects ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects of Subutex® include the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Itching
More serious side effects of Subutex® can occur, although they are less common. These can include:
- Respiratory depression
- Severe allergic reactions
- Liver damage
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Low blood pressure
- Drug dependence
Suboxone Side Effects: Are They Dangerous?
Suboxone®, a medication used to treat opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, is also not free of potential side effects. These include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision
Notably, only some who use these medications will experience these side effects. However, if you notice a difference in your normal functionality, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
For minimal to no side effects, ChoicePoint takes all the necessary measures to ensure a safe recovery through Suboxone. You may opt for our therapies to enhance the effectiveness of Suboxone. Call us at 844.445.2565 or fill out this form for a same-day prescription.
Drug Interactions with Suboxone and Subutex
Subutex Vs Suboxone: Efficacy and Safety Rates in Terms of Statistics
Both medications have similar efficacy and safety rates when examined in terms of statistics. However, its effectiveness and safety are relative to an individual’s circumstances.
Role of Suboxone in Managing Withdrawal
Withdrawal from opioids can be very painful, which is why it is generally given to a patient to stabilize them in the initial medical detoxification process.
Statistical Analyses of Suboxone: Findings from Clinical Studies
- A study found that Suboxone® is very effective even as a standalone treatment. However, it can yield even better outcomes when combined with therapeutic interventions.
- According to another study, Suboxone® has an improved retention rate compared to its sister medication, methadone.
- Most patients can safely take Suboxone® as their primary treatment at 8 mg. When Subutex® was switched to Suboxone® among the patients, they could tolerate it with minimal side effects.
Does Subutex Work the Same?
The outcome of Subutex treatment depends on certain factors, like the degree of addiction. Clinical findings, however, suggest that both drugs have similar results. Suboxone has an additional ingredient, which some people may be allergic to naloxone so Subutex may be a better choice.
Research Findings for Subutex
- One of the studies conducted on a group of people in Sweden for one year showed that Subutex® (Buprenorphine) yielded about 75% negative results in individuals who adhered to the program, signifying that the retention rate of this drug is higher.
- In one of the research studies, buprenorphine® (Subutex®) was seen to be more efficacious than methadone as an OUD treatment among 240 respondents, which is why it can be prescribed in “office-based settings.”
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Suboxone and Subutex Pill: Finding the Safer Oral Treatment for OUD
There is no definite answer regarding which drug is safer because evidence suggests they are equally safe when used properly. However, many factors come into play when either of the medications is chosen for you. A healthcare professional is likely to prescribe Suboxone or Subutex treatment after considering the following:
- Medical history
- Severity of addiction
- Risk of abuse
- Pregnancy
- Naloxone intolerance
Due to the presence of naloxone, Suboxone may be recommended for people with severe opioid use disorder so that the risk of abuse is lowered.
Are you still divided over the dilemma of Subutex vs Suboxone? Let a healthcare professional help you decide. Call 844.445.2565 or contact them by filling out this form.
Find Expert Suboxone and Subutex Doctors
ChoicePoint is a leading medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program provider for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Our MAT program combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapy to help patients achieve long-term recovery from opioid addiction. We offer the most effective opioid-countering medications, including:
- Subutex® (Buprenorphine)
- Suboxone® (Buprenorphine/Naloxone® )
- Naloxone®
If you are concerned about the safety of these drugs, stay assured because all of them are FDA-approved. If you are looking for Suboxone or Subutex clinics, you have come to the right place.
Patient-Centered Care: How ChoicePoint Puts Individuals First in Addiction Recovery:
The team of healthcare professionals at our rehab is dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs. Their approach to MAT has helped countless individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.
For instance, one of our former patients now shares their recovery journey, saying, “I can’t express how grateful I am to ChoicePoint for helping me overcome my addiction. I know I still have my flaws, but I also know that recovery means always trying to move toward betterment. I know that I couldn’t have done it without ChoicePoint. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, I highly recommend calling ChoicePoint—it could be your best decision.”
Diverse Care at ChoicePoint
Regarding addiction, it is important to remember that rehab offers diverse care.
We offer the following services:
Subutex® treatment may be coupled with the above-mentioned treatments as well.
To contact us, call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form. You can also get help virtually from the comfort of your own home. Go for our telehealth services.
In a Nutshell, Subutex vs Suboxone
In conclusion, both medications have similar effectiveness in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It’s important to understand that both medications can have side effects but are generally mild and well-tolerated. Ultimately, the choice between Subutex vs Suboxone should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can consider individual factors such as medical history, current substance use, and treatment goals. The most important factor in successfully treating opioid dependence is a comprehensive approach that includes medication, counseling, and support.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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