Suboxone Vs Methadone is the comparison of two drugs most frequently wondered when talking about the treatment of chronic pain. Along with that, basically, both medications are eventually integrated into a treatment program, empowering the patients to disengage their adherence to opioids. However, their operational mechanisms vary, and they also possess different advantages as well as some possibilities of risks. This article seeks to differentiate Suboxone from Methadone in brief, explaining their operational mechanisms and letting you know the deciding factors in treatment choice.
Suboxone vs Methadone: A Complete Comparison of Medications
The significant factor that should be given a thought when contrasting Suboxone vs Methadone is the mechanism of each drug in the body.
What is Suboxone?
Generic Suboxone is made up of two main elements: Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. To explain, buprenorphine is a drug that when given to a patient, partially satisfies the patient’s need for the receptor in the brain. It helps the patient to have fewer cravings and alleviates. The withdrawal symptoms but the patient does not get the “high” like with other opioids. To deter abuse, Naloxone is added; for instance, if the medication is taken by a route other than intended, like by injection, Naloxone. The interfere with the pharmacological effects of the opioid and bring about withdrawal symptoms.
What is Methadone?
Generic Methadone is a slow and gradual process thus it relieves the release of withdrawal symptoms and cravings without giving the euphoric high. Since Methadone is a full agonist it has the potential to misused and may result in overdose particularly.
When to Use Methadone vs Suboxone
The selection of whether to use Methadone or Suboxone is mainly determined by a person’s medical history, the degree of the addiction, and the person’s preference. Initially some things should be considered:
- Suboxone for Mild to Moderate Addiction: Suboxone pills is usually suggested for people who have used opioids in the past but are not heavily dependent on the use of high doses. What makes it a suitable tool for the prevention of those in danger of overdosing is, among other things, its safety feature, the so-called ceiling effect.
- Methadone for Severe Addiction: Methadone tablets is usually seen as a better alternative to individuals with serious opioid addiction, mainly those who have been dependent for a long time or have a history of relapse. Generally, methadone is given in a healthcare facility where the amount is under strict control.
- Suboxone for Pregnant Women: Compared to Methadone, Suboxone is a less dangerous alternative for a woman during pregnancy. The risk that the baby will be harmed is less when using Suboxone however, a doctor should still supervise the treatment.
Difference Between Suboxone vs Methadone
Both Suboxone and Methadone are generally kept as the first choices in the treatment of addiction; however, they can be used for chronic pain management as well.
- Suboxone: It is a drug used to treat mild to moderate opioid addiction. It has a small chance of overdose but if a person drinks alcohol or takes benzodiazepines while on Suboxone, breathing problems may occur. A doctor can give a prescription for Suboxone, so the patient doesn’t have to go to clinic for every dose. Common side effects of Suboxone are constipation, insomnia, headaches, and nausea.
- Methadone: It is normally used for severely or chronically addicted patients. As it is a full opioid agonist, the drug should be taken under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional. Because methadone is only given at clinics that are specially licensed, one needs to go to such a clinic every day to get the dose. Methadone pills is made artificially and is an opioid analgesic. Thus the potential for its misuse and that of overdosing is higher than in the case of Suboxone.
Withdrawal Sympoms
The withdrawal process is the scariest part of the minds of people going through opioid addiction treatment. Consequently in addition to the fact that both Suboxone and Methadone may alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The differences in the withdrawal experiences associated with each.
- Suboxone Withdrawal: Since Suboxone is a partial agonist, it generally has a less severe withdrawal process when compared to Methadone. Nevertheless, discontinuing Suboxone can still be irritating and some of the symptoms may be anxiety, depression, and muscle aches. The symptoms are usually of lower intensity and shorter time of withdrawal from full agonist opioids.
- Methadone Withdrawal: Methadone withdrawal is sometimes more severe and longer-lasting because Methadone is a full agonist. Being a full agonist, the drug stays in the body for a longer period of time, and as a result, withdrawal symptoms can be felt for weeks, thus it is a hopeless challenge for some people to reduce their dosage gradually.
Methadone vs Suboxone Treatment
When talking about how effective the treatments are, Suboxone and Methadone are both very effective in managing opioid addiction. Both drugs can significantly lessen the urge to take drugs and the withdrawal symptoms; however, the degree of their effectiveness may differ depending on the patient’s condition.
- Suboxone Treatment: For instance, many people consider Suboxone as a more controllable solution. Because one can obtain a prescription for home use, the administration can be done even the patient is strictly supervised. Such flexibility in dosing is good to make Suboxone a more fitting drug for people who in all likelihood, will not be able to devote themselves to daily clinic visits.
- Methadone Treatment: In contrast, methadone is generally given as a prescription in a clinic environment. Where the patient has to come for their dose daily. This arrangement aids in avoiding the abuse of the drug and ensures that the patient is under close supervision. Which can be a great support to people having a chronic background of addiction.
Side Effects of this Opioids
Like all medications both Suboxone and Methadone come with potential side effects.
Suboxone side effects can include:
- Constipation
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Irritability
Methadone side effects may include:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
FAQ on Suboxone vs Methadone
Which Is Better Suboxone or Methadone
The solution varies according to one’s personal needs and situations. Most likely a person better off with Suboxone is a person who needs a safer. The more convenient option and one that has a lower possibility of being misused and causing an overdose. A patient suffering from a severe chronic pain condition may discover Methadone is a good method to relieve their symptoms.
Can You Take Suboxone and Methadone at the Same Time?
It is generally advised that a person use Suboxone and Methadone concurrently. It shows as a result of the combination, serious withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. The main cause of the interaction of these drugs is that both of them act on the same receptors in the brain for opioids. When they are combined can result in the body reacting in a way that it was not expecting. Thus the worsening the withdrawal symptoms or causing an overdose. If there is any thought of changing the plan of treatment, it is necessary to discuss it first with a doctor.
Can Suboxone be used for pain relief?
In certain situations, Suboxone may offer a level of pain relief a level that is from mild to moderate. However, it is basically a drug that is used in the treatment of addiction to opioids. If controlling pain is the target, then probably the better option will be Methadone as it is a full opioid agonist.
Conclusion
Choosing between Suboxone and Methadone may confound you as both drugs are very beneficial in the treatment of opioid addiction and in pain management. Which one to use is determined by the severity of the addiction, the health of the personmay preference. Knowing the differences between Suboxone and Methadone in terms of side effects, withdrawal, and use in chronic pain will help the patient decide. A doctor’s consultation is always the best option when trying to figure out which opioid treatment to take.
If you are searching for a Suboxone or Methadone clinic near you. Make sure you find a service provider that you can trust. Who will be able to guide you through the procedure and design the treatment plan that suits your needs the most.
