What Is Subutex?
Subutex is the brand-name drug available by prescription to assist patients with opioid withdrawal and dependence. It is administered as a sublingual tablet. The most active ingredient in Subutex is buprenorphine, which is defined as an opioid agonist-antagonist combination.
When a drug is an opioid agonist-antagonist, it means that when it’s used, buprenorphine acts in several similar ways as a drug such as heroin or prescription opioids, but with some differences. Buprenorphine can cause fewer europhia and much milder withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs – naloxone and buprenorphine, that works chemically to reduce a patient’s opioid dependence long-term and the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It is a part of the opioid antagonists, which is the opposite of opioid agonists. Therefore, it blocks the opioid effect from occurring.
This drug is less addictive than methadone. Therefore, it has a lower risk of dependency. In addition, the side effects of Suboxone are generally less severe and tend to be physical rather than mental. It comes in a sublingual film and tablet, both of which dissolve in the mouth.
What Is the Main Difference Between Subutex and Suboxone?
The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone is Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, and Subutex only contains buprenorphine. Therefore, because of the presence of naloxone in Suboxone, it is less likely to be abused. As a result, this drug might be the most ideal choice for individuals struggling with severe addictions or those who have experienced treatment and relapsed.
Subutex and Suboxone should both be utilized as a part of a greater addiction treatment program. Medication alone doesn’t represent addiction treatment; it should be used alongside comprehensive therapy that addresses the root causes that led to the initial substance abuse.
It isn’t enough to address the physical aspect of opiate addiction, as Subutex and Suboxone do. The psychological aspect of addiction needs to be dealt with in therapy. Therefore, ensuring an individual’s sustained recovery from the disease.
Both drugs are brand names. Even though both substances were developed around the same time, Subutex was formulated first.
While Subutex was discovered to be relatively effective in opiate addiction treatment, there was still a tendency to abuse the drug. Many individuals seek to intravenously inject the drug to secure the high they become accustomed to with prescription painkillers and heroin.
The same individuals often succeeded in doing so, giving attention to the need to develop another drug to address the issue. In Suboxone, naloxone is combined with buprenorphine to discourage abuse of the medication.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it blocks the effects of opioids at receptor sites. If an individual injects Suboxone, they will immediately go into precipitated withdrawal, which can be upsetting.
Subutex vs Suboxone – Which One Is Better?
Similar to any medication, these drugs have potential side effects.
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
When comparing what’s the difference between Suboxone and Subutex, there is little to no evidence suggesting that either medication is more effective in treating opiate addiction. If both drugs are utilized according to prescription and under medical supervision, the buprenorphine should work as it should, reducing cravings and alleviating opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Subutex Versus Suboxone – The History of the Substances
Subutex vs. Suboxone were both approved by the FDA in 2002. These drugs were developed for the opioid disorder. Before the Drug Addiction Treatment Act was passed in 2000, the primary medication used to treat opiate addictions was methadone.
However, in 2000, buprenorphine was approved by the law. It could now be prescribed by physicians who have been certified and trained by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to treat opioid addiction. What’s the difference between Subutex and Suboxone was the topic of discussion then as it is now.
As stated, the difference between Suboxone and Subutex is Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, whereas Subutex only contains buprenorphine. While methadone is considered a Schedule II substance, buprenorphine is a Schedule III substance, designating it as a drug with a lower potential for abuse. As a result, buprenorphine is often considered a safer opiate treatment and medication than methadone.
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is previously known as a pain reliever. It is a partial opioid antagonist that binds to the opioid receptors in the brain that has caused feelings of well-being and reduced pain. Even though buprenorphine isn’t a full opioid, it very much acts like one.
Buprenorphine causes moderate receptor site activity. However, the exception is it doesn’t create a euphoric state when it is taken as directed. As a result, buprenorphine will prevent withdrawal symptoms, and even reduce the cravings for opiate drugs such as prescription painkillers and heroin.
There are numerous advantages of using a medication such as buprenorphine in opiate abuse treatment. Buprenorphine can do the following:
- Allow the patient to focus on therapy without being distracted by cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
- Minimize relapse since the patient is not experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
- Help the patient feel and remain comfortable and safe during detox.
- Eliminate or reduce opiate or heroin cravings.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that swiftly reverses an opioid overdose. It is considered an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches itself to opioid receptors and then reverses and blocks other opioid effects.
Naloxone can swiftly restore normal breathing in an individual undergoing shallow breathing or even stopped breathing due to an opioid overdose. However, Naloxone doesn’t affect an individual that doesn’t have opioids in their system. It’s not treatment for an opioid use disorder.
Examples of opioids include fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and heroin.
Naloxone should be given to an individual who is showing signs of an overdose or if an overdose has been suspected. It can be given as a nasal spray or injected into the muscle, into the veins, or underneath the skin.
Naloxone comes packaged in two FDA-approved forms, prepackaged nasal spray, and injectables. No matter the dosage that is used, it’s essential to receive training on when and how to use naloxone. It’s recommended to read the product instructions and check expiration dates.
There are injectable brands of Naloxone that are offered by several different companies. Generally, the proper dose of Naloxone must be drawn up from a vial. Naloxone is usually injected with a needle into the person’s muscle, even though it can be administered differently.
Opioid Dependence
Opioids are a particular class of drugs that includes prescription narcotics such as Vicodin and as well as non-prescription drugs such as heroin. Opioids, even when it’s taken by a prescription have a high likelihood of leading to addiction and physical dependence. It’s important to remember that addiction and dependence are two distinct concepts.
Addiction refers to psychological disease. The symptoms of addiction include compulsive drug use and continued drug use even when negative consequences are occurring. When an individual has an addiction, it’s common to feel like drug use is uncontrollable.
On the flip side, dependence is a physical issue where an individual’s body goes into a shock state if they suddenly put an end to drug use after some time. One of the primary symptoms of opioid dependence is withdrawal. An opioid withdrawal can range from mild to severe discomfort, depending on factors such as the length of the drug use.
The withdrawal symptoms might include anxiety, cold-like symptoms, muscle aches and cramps, nausea, and vomiting. One of the primary obstacles for individuals who want to stop engaging in opioid use is the uncomfortable withdrawal process. However, certain medications can assist in reducing or alleviating symptoms of withdrawal.
When the above-mentioned medications are used, they can be utilized when combined with an opioid addiction treatment program. The two options are Subutex vs Suboxone.
Opioid Use Disorder
Even though opioids are prescribed by a doctor to treat pain, the misuse might lead to addiction or dependency, also known as an opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder is considered a medical condition that is defined as not being able to abstain from engaging in opioids. The behaviors are centered around opioid use disorder and can interfere with daily life.
It is characterized by the withdrawal symptoms such as sweating and cravings. However, individuals can misuse opioids and not have any physical dependence. When an individual encounters physical dependence, it can be specifically challenging to stop taking opioids.
Dependence can interfere with individuals’ daily routines, including finances and personal relationships. Opioid use disorder needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Someone who is struggling with opioid use disorder might not exhibit symptoms right away.
Common Signs of Opioid Addiction
- Stealing from friends, family members, and businesses
- The inability to control opioid use disorder
- Isolation from family members and friends
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- New financial difficulties
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Exercise habit changes
- Sleep habit changes
- Lack of hygiene
- Decreased libido
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
The Process of Taking Subutex
Before an individual takes Subutex, it’s imperative to stop engaging in opioid use. Since the drug binds to similar receptors as opioid drugs to stop the withdrawal symptoms. Subutex can also reduce drug cravings as well.
The most ideal way for Subutex to be given to a patient is either four hours after the last opioid dose or after the opioid withdrawal symptoms have started. If Subutex is taken a little too soon after the last dose of opioids, it can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Numerous side effects of Subutex are similar to opioids. For example, individuals on Subutex might experience constipation and even require a laxative to assist with this. Other Subutex side effects can also include feeling lightheaded and dizzy.
Subutex has the potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence, even though the risk is much lower than in several other opioids. This drug should be used as instructed and under careful medical supervision. Subutex should be a part of an in-depth treatment plan to avoid the abuse risk.
Some individuals might crush, snort, or inject Subutex to experience a high from it. Another method to abuse Subutex is to combine it with various other central nervous system depressants such as benzodiazepines or benzos. This is not only risky from an addiction standpoint, but also because it can cause a person to undergo fatal respiratory depression.
It’s essential to note that Subutex isn’t possible without risks. However, when it is utilized as a part of a full-blown drug treatment program, it can also have benefits. Generally, a medical care provider will typically weigh the potential benefits and risks before giving Subutex to a patient.
As long as a patient follows the instructions carefully, the risks are low, compared to prescription narcotics and heroin.
Addiction Treatment for Subutex versus Suboxone
Finally, an individual who is seeking Subutex vs Suboxone treatment should be aware that there are several forms. The type of treatment, however, is up to the individual. Opioids are hard drugs to treat, but not impossible.
It’s important to understand that it can take years for an individual to fully kick the habit without engaging in the right form of care. That being said, not every individual can afford Subutex versus Suboxone addiction treatment in Los Angeles. Furthermore, if a person feels they need a less intense and shorter form of treatment, they might opt for the partial hospitalization program.
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is intense and requires hours of sessions each day. However, patients can go home at the end of their day. The duration of these programs might not last as long as other programs will.
Usually, inpatient treatment is the most ideal option. Since it entails a residential program. Our members will reside at the facility with this treatment approach. It is a great idea to choose an inpatient treatment program because a recovering addict’s external sources are eliminated.
Intrepid Detox Explains the Difference Between Suboxone and Subutex
Upon embarking on the opioid treatment journey, one of the most common questions is, “What’s the difference between Subutex and Suboxone?” As stated here, the difference between Suboxone and Subutex is the ingredients it contains. Breaking the cycle of opioid addiction is challenging. However, it’s critical to embark on the recovery journey. Contact us today, let’s get started.