What’s the Difference between Suboxone and Methadone?

There are two popular opiate detoxification medications. While they both are effective for treating opiate/opioid dependence, they do have differences in the way that they act, their side effects, and their abuse potential. When you are considering an opiate detoxification, you need to take a look at both of these medications to decide which one is right for you. If you need help, call 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) .

Suboxone

Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. This combination is beneficial because not only does it have the opiate replacement agent buprenorphine, it also contains naloxone, which is an opiate agonist. This gives Suboxone a distinct advantage over other treatments.

The naloxone does not allow a drug user to take illicit opiates while they are on Suboxone. If they do, they risk going into withdrawal. It also puts a ceiling on how much Suboxone they can abuse and still feel euphoric. The ceiling effect will only allow them to get to a certain level before it plateaus.

Both Suboxone and methadone can cause extreme drowsiness.

Suboxone has a variety of side effects. According to the manufacturer of Suboxone, Indivior Incorporated, the serious side effects of Suboxone are:

Extreme tiredness
Pain in the upper right quadrant of the body
Blurred vision
Confusion
Slurred speech
Lack of appetite
Lack of energy
Unusual bleeding
Dark colored urine
Light colored stool
Yellowing of the skin or eyes

The serious side effects of Suboxone may be very dangerous if left untreated.

Methadone

Methadone is by far the most popular and used treatment for opiate detoxification. There are over 250,000 more people using methadone over Suboxone. Methadone is a single action opiate substitution medication. It also has some very serious side effects. According to the National Library of Medicine, these side effects are:

Seizures
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Extreme drowsiness
Hallucinations

These side effects require immediate treatment.

Methadone Versus Suboxone, What’s the Difference?

Methadone and Suboxone have some differences. Methadone:

Is single medication
Is cheaper
Has less risky side effects
Has a better chance of remaining off opiates on a maintenance program
Has better long term outcomes
Is more likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms unless you taper off it
Is more likely to cause an overdose
Requires visits to a clinic every 24 hours

Suboxone or Methadone – Why One Isn’t Much Better than the Other

Suboxone and methadone are two medications used to treat opioid addiction and dependence. Although which one will likely be more beneficial to you often depends on the severity of your addiction among other aspects, both medications have drawbacks that make them difficult to receive as a treatment and often problematic. Call now to find safe, ….

In many studies Suboxone:

Is a combination of medications
Has more risky side effects
Is more difficult to say on during a maintenance program
Is easier to get
Does not require visits to a clinic every 24 hours
Can be taken home as a prescription medication
Has less serious withdrawal
Is much easier to taper
Is extremely expensive
Has a ceiling so you do not overdose

Just like the choice in treatment center depends on your needs, so does the choice between Suboxone and methadone. Methadone is a stronger drug and works better for severe addiction where Suboxone is lighter but still works for moderate addiction.

Finding Treatment with Suboxone or Methadone

Although these medications are usually lumped together, there are some differences between the two. Which you choose depends on your requirements for treatment. You can find treatment with either Suboxone or methadone simply by calling 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) . We can help you find a treatment center that offers both of these opiate addiction medications.