Is Suboxone Better Than Methadone and Buprenorphine?

With the abundance of new and innovative drugs created to help those who need them, sometimes it's hard to keep track of the latest developments. With those advancements comes the opportunity to create a new chapter for you or your loved one. Creating this chapter in your life will be daunting when you look at it head-on. But fear not. We're here to hold your hand through it all. 

This article will explore the differences between the most commonly used drugs in treating addiction: Suboxone, methadone, and buprenorphine. We'll compare and contrast these drugs to help you decide which one is right for you.

Methadone vs. Suboxone: What's the Difference?

It can be challenging to understand why one drug is better than another when they both serve the same purpose. While methadone vs. Suboxone both ideally have the same goal, to wean an addict off of dangerous opioid drugs and maintain sobriety, they both combat this issue, differently. 

Knowing which one is ideal for you to take may depend on your needs, and navigating through this change in your life may be difficult. Our online Suboxone doctors and their treatments are readily available to create a safe and informative environment for all of your concerns. 

What Is Methadone?

Methadone is a medication that was created in 1937 in Germany as a way to treat pain. However, it wasn't until 1947 that methadone was approved for use as an ananalgesic, and not until the 1960s that it was approved for addiction treatment, where it was mainly prescribed to those that were battling heroin addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid that binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids. Still, it doesn't produce the same high feeling of euphoria that is a common symptom of drug addiction. 

It's essential to note that methadone is a potent drug and can be addictive in its own right if not taken as prescribed. That is why it's only available through certified clinics with heavy restrictions. This high is the main factor in addiction and causes users to continue using opioids. 

Users can slowly transition out of craving the sensation with its different effects. It can work well for some people trying to wean themselves off opioids and create a leeway to get clean and enjoy what the world could offer.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication created in the early 2000s to help people addicted to opioids. Like methadone, it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but doesn't produce the same high. Suboxone contains naloxone which is what differentiates it from pure buprenorphine. The naloxone is the chemical ingredient which prevents against abuse. 

Suboxone is different in comparison to methadone because it is a partial agonist. It has a ceiling effect, which means that there is a point where taking more Suboxone will not have any additional impact. It can be helpful because it makes it less likely to overdose on the drug. 

Suboxone is also shorter-acting than methadone, which means the effects wear off more quickly. It can be helpful for people trying to wean themselves off opioids because it can help them feel less dependent on the drug.

What Are the Benefits of Methadone vs. Suboxone?

There are a few benefits that come with taking methadone and buprenorphine, as well as Suboxone. Knowing the benefits of each can help you chalk up a decision of what could be most beneficial for you. 

Let's start with the benefits of methadone as a full opioid agonist, which means it can help relieve pain. It is also long-acting, which means the effects can last up to 24 hours. It can be helpful for people who need to take medication multiple times a day. Methadone is also less expensive than Suboxone, which can be a breath of fresh air for those on a tight budget. 

Let's move on to the benefits of Suboxone. As stated before, Suboxone is a partial agonist, meaning it is less likely to cause an overdose. Suboxone is also more widely available than methadone. Therefore, it is somewhat easier to find a doctor who can prescribe the medication and receive guidance on taking it.

What Are the Risks of Methadone vs. Suboxone?

Much like everything in life, there is always some type of risk involved with our decisions and medication isn't an exception to that. The dangers of undergoing methadone treatment may include the potential for abuse and addiction.  

Methadone is a full opioid agonist, which means it can produce the same high as other opioids. The significant risk with methadone is that it can be easy to overdose on because the effects can take a while to kick in. As a result, people not used to taking methadone may think that they need to take more of the drug when, in reality, they could be overdosing. 

Meanwhile, the risk of using Suboxone is it can be easy to abuse because it is a partial agonist. Partial being that its effects can last a shorter period, the urge to re-up or take more of it can be higher. Although Suboxone is much less likely to cause an overdose, it is still possible if too much of the drug is taken.

When it comes down to choosing between methadone and Suboxone, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons. You can make better decisions with the help of a licensed doctor that you trust. Our online Suboxone doctors are here to help you throughout your journey and with questions that arise. 

Take the First Step to a Better Future 

Medical jargon can be a fickle thing to try and understand, whether for yourself or a loved one. But having somebody in your pocket that you could quickly call on and get professional help makes what seems like an impossible feat doable. 

Methadone and  Suboxone have the same effectivity rate in lowering opiate use. However, it does not shy away from possible side effects or weighs out any of the cons we may have listed. The best rule of thumb is to identify what you need, where to collect resources, and where it will lead you.

Whether methadone and buprenorphine are what you need, the feat of finding help is not as daunting as it seems. You are one step away from online Suboxone doctors that want to see you succeed and be a part of your story. You will carry out this part of your life during and after your treatment. We will be right with you for the ride throughout. Take the first step today.

At SuboxoneDoctor.com, we value and genuinely care for our patients, which is why we have online Suboxone doctors available 24/7 to help you get the treatment you need and deserve. So visit our website or give us a call today. It could be the best decision you ever make. The first step to your future is only a click away.