Opioid addiction is a serious condition, and finding the right treatment has the potential to make all the difference.

Medications like Suboxone and Subutex have become valuable tools in helping people manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but many people aren’t sure how these two medications differ.

This guide explores the differences between Suboxone and Subutex and explains how they fit into medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Whether you’re looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, understanding the options can help you make the best decision.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a comprehensive approach to treating opioid addiction. It uses FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling.

This method treats the whole person, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.

MAT is designed to help individuals safely manage the intense cravings and symptoms of withdrawal that come with opioid dependence.

By reducing these symptoms, MAT allows individuals to focus on the deeper work of recovery, such as developing healthier coping mechanisms and rebuilding their lives.

Key Benefits of MAT:

• Reduces symptoms of withdrawal and cravings, making the early stages of recovery more manageable.
• Improves long-term recovery success rates by providing ongoing support during the recovery process.
• Helps stabilize brain function after opioid dependence, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives.

Suboxone vs. Subutex: What Are They?

Both Suboxone and Subutex are effective medications used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help manage opioid addiction by reducing cravings and minimizing withdrawal side effects.

While they both contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is the key to managing addiction, the presence of an additional ingredient in Suboxone—naloxone—sets them apart.

How Suboxone Works

Suboxone includes a combination of two active ingredients. These are buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist.

This means it attaches to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do. In doing so, though, it doesn’t produce the same intense high.

This helps to minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the euphoric effects that lead to misuse. By stabilizing brain function, buprenorphine lets individuals focus on recovery.

Naloxone is added to Suboxone to deter misuse.

Suboxone not only reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms but also provides an added layer of protection against abuse because of the naloxone.

How Subutex Works

Subutex, on the other hand, contains only buprenorphine.

Because Subutex lacks naloxone, it may be prescribed in specific situations, such as in the early stages of treatment when withdrawal symptoms are most severe, or for individuals who can’t tolerate naloxone, such as pregnant women.

The absence of naloxone makes Subutex have more of a potential for abuse, so it is generally prescribed with caution and under close supervision.

Both medications play a crucial role in helping people overcome the effects of opioid addiction. Still, the inclusion of naloxone in Suboxone makes it a safer option for many people, especially in long-term recovery settings.

Subutex, which only contains buprenorphine, can also cause precipitated withdrawal if it’s administered while opioids are still active in the system.

Subutex remains an important tool in specific situations, providing flexibility in treatment options.

Why Does Naloxone Matter?

Naloxone plays a critical role in the effectiveness and safety of Suboxone. Here’s why:

Suboxone: How Naloxone Prevents Misuse

Including naloxone in Suboxone, which is specifically designed to reduce the risk of misuse.

• Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks opioid effects on the brain. If Suboxone is taken correctly (dissolved under the tongue), naloxone remains inactive and doesn’t affect how the medication works.
• If someone attempts to misuse Suboxone by injecting it, naloxone becomes active and immediately blocks the opioid receptors, preventing any “high” from occurring.
• This discourages misuse and adds a layer of protection for individuals who might be tempted to misuse their medication.

Key Differences Between Suboxone and Subutex

Here’s a breakdown of key differences between Suboxone and Subutex to help you understand which one might be the better option for you or your loved one:

• Ingredients:
  • Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone.
  • Subutex only contains buprenorphine without the addition of naloxone.
• Misuse Prevention:
  • Suboxone reduces the risk of misuse due to the inclusion of naloxone, which blocks the opioid effects if someone tries to inject the medication.
  • Subutex does not have naloxone, so it carries a higher potential for misuse if not taken as directed.
• Treatment Phase:
  • Subutex is often prescribed in the early stages of treatment, particularly during the detox phase, to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
  • Suboxone is more commonly used for long-term recovery support, providing ongoing protection against misuse.
• Tolerance to Naloxone:
  • Subutex may be prescribed for individuals who cannot tolerate naloxone, such as pregnant women or those with specific health concerns.
  • Suboxone is generally preferred for most patients because it offers a safer, long-term solution.

Reach Out to The Best Treatment

Finding the right treatment can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The Best Treatment offers personalized care and medication-assisted treatment options, including Suboxone and Subutex. Our experienced team is here to help you understand your options and create a recovery plan tailored to your needs.

FAQs About Suboxone and Subutex

1. What’s the main difference between Suboxone and Subutex?

The key difference is that Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex only contains buprenorphine. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to reduce the risk of misuse.

2. Why would someone be prescribed Subutex instead of Suboxone?

Subutex is often prescribed in the early stages of treatment or for individuals who cannot tolerate naloxone. For example, pregnant women may be given Subutex to manage withdrawal symptoms without the risk of naloxone interfering with their health.

3. Can Subutex or Suboxone be misused?

While both medications can be misused if not taken as prescribed, Suboxone is designed to reduce the risk of misuse due to the presence of naloxone, which blocks opioid effects if the medication is injected. Subutex, without naloxone, carries a higher potential for misuse.

4. Are Suboxone and Subutex equally effective for treating opioid addiction?

Yes, both Suboxone and Subutex are effective in managing opioid addiction by lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The choice between them depends on individual needs, tolerance to naloxone, and the stage of treatment.

5. How long do people stay on Suboxone or Subutex?

The duration of treatment with Suboxone or Subutex varies depending on the individual’s progress in recovery. Some people may use these medications for a few months, while others may need long-term maintenance to prevent relapse. Your healthcare provider determines the best treatment plan for you.

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Subutex
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Suboxone: Rationale, Science, Misconceptions
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Buprenorphine?
4. FDA: Suboxone