Subutex vs Suboxone
Both Suboxone and Subutex (as well as Zubsolv) are Buprenorphine medications used in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. These medications have the same active ingredient of a partial opioid agonist called Buprenorphine. This is the main similarity between Subutex vs Suboxone. Being that Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist when used appropriately and as directed by a medical provider there is a ceiling effect to the medication. This ceiling effect means that a person will not obtain the euphoric effects similar to that of other opioids, therefore resulting in the ability for the person to obtain a “high” off the medication. Methadone, another medication used in the treatment for opioid addiction is a full opioid agonist and does not have such a ceiling effect, often why Buprenorphine medications of Suboxone or Subutex are preferred means of treatment.
The active ingredient of Buprenorphine found in Suboxone and Subutex assists those suffering from opioid addiction with removal of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Buprenorphine effectively binds to the opioid receptors in the brain which is how it relieves the effects of withdrawal as well as consistent usage stops cravings for opioid usage. In the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, the maximum amount of medication for the majority of patients is 16mg per day. Those needing higher dosages often also need assistance with pain management and should be handled by medical providers specializing in this area of medicine.
Similarities between Suboxone and Subutex
Concerns with Subutex
Due to the concerns of diversion and abuse of Subutex vs Suboxone it presents a lot of problems with the medication. The main concerns by the DEA are those with Subutex more so than that of Suboxone. And of the two different forms of Suboxone it is the Suboxone strips or films which are the lowest level of diversion over that of Suboxone pills or tablets.
Those appropriately using the medication Subutex, it is a highly useful medication for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. However, due to the concerns it can be difficult to obtain. Many pharmacies will not carry the medication or will carry it in greatly limited supplies. This makes obtaining this medication rather difficult for patients. Another reason why Suboxone is a preferred medication just from the availability of the medication for patients, especially that of the Suboxone strips or films.
For anyone requiring the medication of Subutex it is important that they have medical documentation showing an allergic reaction to Naloxone. With this documentation it will make obtaining the medication easier for the patient, however, supplies and pharmacies with Subutex will still be limited. Also, with such documentation it is important that this documentation not be self-reported documentation of where a person reports an allergic reaction to a medical professional, but documentation of being treated for a severe allergic reaction during the time of such reaction happening. Many patients may believe they had a reaction to Naloxone but actually only suffered from a precipitated withdrawal from taking Suboxone (Buprenorphine and Naloxone) too quickly after their last opioid usage.
If you or a loved one is needing assistance with opioid addiction treatment, please Contact Us at Recover Clarity and we can provide assistance. Recover Clarity operates as a fully Telehealth Suboxone Clinic (also offering Subutex and Zubsolv) with the use of Online Suboxone Doctors. And with telehealth there are many advantages, click here to learn more about the Advantages of Telehealth.
Other good information to ready is on How Suboxone Works as well as knowing how to transition from Methadone to Suboxone.