Methadone and Subutex medication drugs are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs, and they can also used as a pain reliever. However, they differ in the other conditions they help to treat. In choosing which one of these medications is best for you, a healthcare provider will consider your age, symptoms, and medical history.
Withdrawal symptoms, especially of narcotic drugs are quite challenging, and for some people, they are a daily occurrence. Ongoing symptoms affect an individual’s ability to function at home, school, or work. Treating it usually involves therapies and antidepressant medications. Two commonly prescribed drugs are methadone and Subutex. These medicines are somewhat similar, but not exactly alike.
Comparison Between Methadone & Subutex
Methadone
Methadone is a generic medication used for reducing withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs. It is a prescription-only medicine and must not be used before consulting a healthcare expert.
It belongs to a class of drugs called Opioids (narcotic analgesics). Methadone acts by activating the opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system. It is also available in brand-name variants known as Dolophine, Methadose, Diskets, etc. This medicine has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.
Subutex
Individuals who are addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs are prescribed a medicine called Subutex. It is a branded drug and must only be consumed after a doctor’s prescription.
The Subutex brand name has been discontinued in the US. Other generic variants may be approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also available in a generic variant called buprenorphine which is also the active ingredient present in this medication.
Uses of Methadone & Subutex
Subutex uses
Subutex is used to help individuals reduce or quit their dependence on opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers like oxycodone. Subutex is often prescribed as part of a long-term therapy medicine for opioid dependence.
It can be used over an extended period to help patients maintain stability. In some cases, Subutex may be prescribed for pain management, especially for chronic pain in individuals. However, its use for pain management is less common compared to other opioids.
Methadone uses
Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug used to minimize withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to heroin or narcotic drugs. It may also be used as a painkiller. This medication must only be used to treat pain when it is severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment.
This is a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance drug and is only available through approved opioid treatment programs that involve regular monitoring, counseling, and drug testing to make sure that the individuals are making progress in their recovery when used for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Doses of Methadone & subtext
Doses OF Methadone
Methadone is available in different forms such as injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral concentrate, oral solution, oral tablet/capsule, and dispersible, and has different dosage strengths. These strengths are as follows:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg/ml
- 40 mg
- 5 mg/5 ml
- 10 mg/5 ml
- 1 mg/ml-NaCl 0.9%
- 5 mg/ml-NaCl 0.9%
It is not recommended for patients to increase or decrease the dosage strength without the prescription of a healthcare professional. This medicine has a narrow therapeutic index, especially when combined with other drugs.
A doctor must monitor the patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of therapy.
Doses of Subutex
Subutex is available in different forms such as sublingual tablets and injections. They have different dosage strengths which are as follows:
Sublingual Tablets
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 8 mg
- Injection
- 0.3 mg/ml or 0.3 mg/1 ml
Note – The availability of specific dosage strengths may vary depending on the country and manufacturer. Additionally, the drug may be available in other dosage forms and strengths. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider and consult them if you have any concerns about your medication.
Color
Subutex
The color of Subutex tablets can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific dosage strength. However, the common colors are:
- White: Subutex tablets are generally white, especially in the United States. This color is often associated with lower dosage strengths such as 2 mg.
- Orange: A few Subutex tablets are orange in color, especially the higher dosage strengths such as 8 mg. However, the orange color may also be related to the generic versions of the drug.
Different countries or regions may have variations in the color or appearance of the tablets due to differences in pharmaceutical regulations and manufacturing practices.
Methadone
Similar to Subutex, methadone tablets come in various colors, depending on the manufacturer and dosage strength. The most common colors include:
- White
- Orange
- Green
- Blue
It is crucial to know that the color of methadone tablets may vary. Always rely on the markings on the tablets, as well as the packaging, to make sure that you have the right medicine and dosage strength.
Side Effects of Methadone and Subutex
Both these medicines are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs and belong to the same class of drugs. However, a few side effects may vary between both drugs.
Methadone
Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Headache
- Changes in libido
- Weight gain
Severe side effects include:
- Respiratory depression
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty urinating
- Mood changes or mental health issues
Subutex Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Back pain
Severe side effects include:
- Respiratory depression (particularly if misused or combined with other central nervous system depressants)
- Liver problems
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hypotension
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Precipitated withdrawal
Precautions
Before using methadone and Subutex, talk to a licensed medical healthcare professional if you experience signs of allergic reactions when taking these medicines. They may contain a few inactive ingredients that might cause some allergic reactions or some other serious side effects.
Before using these drugs, talk to a doctor if you have any of the following medical history, such as:
- Breathing problems
- Brain disorders
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Liquid products might consist of sugar and alcohol. Caution is advised in case one suffers from diabetes, alcohol dependence, or any other condition. Consult a healthcare provider about using the medications safely.
Methadone and Subutex can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, avoid consumption of alcohol or marijuana while you are taking these medication drugs as it could lead to adverse effects.
These medicines might cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely result in serious irregular heartbeat and other adverse complications that might need medical attention right away.
