Suboxone is a medicine that comes in a sublingual film and is made using naloxone and buprenorphine. On the other hand, buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that activates the opioid receptors to a lesser degree than full opioids. It’s also an antagonist which blocks the kappa-opioid receptor. Naloxone is another ingredient used in suboxone, a pure antagonist and works to prevent opioid receptors. This is often added to drugs that are used for treating opioid abuse. However, as both buprenorphine and suboxone are used for treating opioid addiction, people may find themselves confused about which one to take. Let’s discuss the differences in detail to help you understand better.
How Is Suboxone Used for Opiate Dependence?
Commonly, suboxone is used as a part of a treatment program called Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) for patients with opioid disorders. The drug helps them maintain and prevent relapses after medically-supervised withdrawal. The treatment is a combination of medications with counseling support. This is a patient-centric approach that can treat patients successfully and help prevent relapses. The suboxone combined with MAT can also help patients stay free of any drug dependence in the long -term.
Is Suboxone Used in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment?
Maintenance treatment can be started using suboxone after a medically-supersized opioid withdrawal. It’s administered sublingually daily with a single dose. It’s also recommended that the target dose for suboxone is 16 mg buprenorphine and 4mg naloxone.
How Does Suboxone Differ from Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine isn’t the same as suboxone. Suboxone combines two different ingredients and is used for treating opioid dependence. On the other hand, buprenorphine is an opioid agonist which treats opioid dependence and moderate-to-severe pain. Additionally, the other component of suboxone, which is naloxone, is a complete opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors from activating. This is usually added to the drugs used for treating opioid dependence and helps prevent the abuse of suboxone.
It’s worth noting that patients must always consult a doctor from known suboxone clinics before using either suboxone or buprenorphine for treating opioid addiction or dependence. However, if you’re looking for treatment for your opioid addiction, MD M.A.T.T is a suboxone treatment center in Owings Mills with professional suboxone doctors. Our clinic offers Medication-Assisted Treatment and Technology (MATT), which treats addiction to opioids scientifically. We also provide follow-up and same-day appointments to examine a patient’s condition and help them. Contact us today for more information.
