Buprenorphine vs. Suboxone: What’s the Difference?

Home > Buprenorphine vs. Suboxone: What’s the Difference?

Buprenorphine vs. Suboxone: What’s the Difference?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The two drugs, buprenorphine, and Suboxone are very similar. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the mu-opioid receptor that is used to treat people with addiction to opioids. The drug has been shown to have fewer side effects than other treatments for opioid addiction including methadone and naltrexone. It can be taken as a tablet or dissolved under the tongue.

Like buprenorphine, Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone which prevents misuse by injection or intravenously. Unlike buprenorphine, it is only administered in clinics where patients receive counseling about their addiction during treatment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]What are buprenorphine and suboxone used for?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Buprenorphine and Suboxone are both used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is the generic name for drugs like Subutex, zubsolv or bunavail while Suboxone contains buprenorphine combined with naloxone in a single pill. Like buprenorphone, suboxone is a partial agonist of the mu-opioid receptor. This means it attaches to receptors in the brain and blocks other opioids from attaching themselves but does not produce an effect itself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]What are some side effects of buprenorphine or suboxone?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Buprenorphine has fewer side effects than methadone or naltrexone. Common side effects from taking buprenorphine include nausea, sleepiness, and headache. Naloxone in Suboxone is known to cause withdrawal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea if a person attempts to abuse the drug by injecting it intravenously or intranasally.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]Which drug is more effective?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Both drugs are effective when used to treat opioid addiction. While buprenorphine is available in tablet form, studies have shown that people prefer taking it under the tongue because they can control their dosage better and reduce potential side effects including nausea or constipation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]How do the drugs compare in cost?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The cost of buprenorphine and suboxone can vary depending on the dosage. Suboxone costs between $120-130 for a month supply while buprenorphine is about half that price, costing around $60 per month.

Both of them are effective in treating opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is taken as a tablet or dissolved under the tongue while suboxone contains buprenorphine combined with naloxone to prevent misuse by injection all at once.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]Why should you choose one over the other?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Both drugs are equally effective in treating opioid addiction. For people who prefer taking medication to treat their condition, buprenorphine is available as an under-the-tongue tablet while Suboxone contains naloxone which can cause withdrawal symptoms if misused by injection or inhalation. If you’re unsure about the best treatment for you, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each drug.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]Who should take which medication?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Both drugs are safe for people over the age of 18. People who prefer taking tablet form should try buprenorphine while those looking to reduce potential side effects may benefit from Suboxone instead because it contains naloxone which causes withdrawal symptoms if used by injection or inhalation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][wgl_spacing spacer_size=”30px” responsive_desktop=”true” size_desktops=”30″ responsive_tablet=”true” size_tablet=”20″ responsive_mobile=”true” size_mobile=”20″][vc_column_text el_class=”section_heading”]Conclusion[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Both of these drugs are effective in treating opioid addiction. However, buprenorphine is available as a tablet while Suboxone contains naloxone which can cause withdrawal symptoms if misused by injection or inhalation.

Emmaus Medical & Counseling can help with the treatment of buprenorphine and suboxone addiction. We offer free assessments for opioid dependence, complete with counseling on how to improve your life without drugs or alcohol.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]