Methadone and Suboxone

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, you may wonder what the best medication is for you. Many different medications are available, and deciding which one suits you can be challenging. 

In this blog post, we will compare two of the most popular medications for opioid addiction:  Methadone and Suboxone. We will discuss the benefits and risks of each medication and the side effects. We will also answer some common questions about Methadone and Suboxone. If you are considering medication-assisted treatment (MAT), please talk to your doctor about your options. But for now, let us compare Methadone vs. Suboxone.

What Is Methadone?

Methadoneis a medication used to treat pain and opioid addiction. It works by binding to the same brain receptors as opioid drugs but produces different effects. Methadone reduces pain by changing the way the brain processes pain signals. It also blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids, which can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Methadone is available in both pill and liquid form and is typically taken once or twice a day. Methadone dose should be individualized for each patient, as the goal is to find the lowest effective dose.

Methadone should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as it can be addictive. However, when used correctly, methadone can be an effective tool for managing pain and addiction.

The side effects of methadone include drowsiness, constipation, and dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare, but you should take extreme caution before taking it with other medications. Talking to a doctor before starting treatment is essential.

What Is Suboxone? 

Suboxoneis another medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, two drugs that work together to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist which binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but produces a weaker response. It helps reduce the symptoms of opiate withdrawal while still providing some pain relief. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which blocks the effects of other opioids. It helps prevent abuse and accidental overdose. Suboxone is typically used as part of a larger treatment plan that may include therapy and counseling.

Suboxone is available as a sublingual film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue. The usual dose is one film or tablet dissolved under the tongue daily. Suboxone should not be chewed or swallowed, as it can make the medication less effective and cause withdrawal symptoms. Instead, the medication should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and support groups so it can be tapered off gradually.

Doctors have been prescribing Suboxone for opioid addiction since 2002. It has been an effective treatment. However, like all medications, there are some risks and side effects associated with Suboxone.

What Are the Benefits of Methadone vs. Suboxone? Now that we know a little about each medication let us compare the benefits of Methadone vs. Suboxone. We must be aware of the benefits of each medication, so we can make an informed decision about which is best for us.

Benefits of Methadone

One of the main benefits of methadone is it has been used to treat pain and addiction for many years. It is a well-studied medication with a long track record of safety and effectiveness. Additionally, methadone is available in pill and liquid form, giving patients some flexibility in how they take the medication. Other benefits include:

• Reduces pain by changing the way the brain processes pain signals

• Blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids

• Helps reduce cravings and prevent relapse

• Available in both pill and liquid form

• Taken once or twice a day

• Stays in the body for a long time

• More convenient than other treatments such as detoxification due to its long-acting nature

Benefits of Suboxone

Suboxone has the advantage of combining two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. This combination helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings more effectively than either drug alone. Additionally, Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, which produces some of the same effects as other opioids, but to a lesser extent. Therefore, it can help reduce cravings without having the same high as other opioids. Other benefits of Suboxone include:

• Taken once a day

• Available in both pill and film form

• A combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, two drugs that work together to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and craving

• Helps prevent relapse

• Allows people to detox from opioids without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to stick to their treatment plan and eventually achieve sobriety

• Relatively safe and has a low risk of abuse and overdose.

Methadone and Suboxone as Part of MAT

MAT, or medication-assisted treatment, combines medication with behavioral therapy to treat addiction. MAT has effectively treated opioid addiction from powerful opiates such as heroin and prescription painkillers. 

Two of the most commonly used MAT medications are Methadone and Suboxone. Methadone and Suboxone are opioid agonists – they mimic the effects of opioids while reducing the adverse effects, such as cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

However, there are some significant differences between these two medications. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, while Suboxone is a partial agonist. It means that methadone is more potent than Suboxone and can cause more side effects. Methadone is available only through specialized clinics, while licensed doctors can prescribe Suboxone. Despite these differences, methadone and Suboxone can be effective MAT medications when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

What Are the Risks of Methadone vs. Suboxone? 

While methadone and Suboxone are effective at treating opioid addiction, they each come with their risks. Methadone is a synthetic opioid typically only used in detox and rehabilitation settings, as it can be highly addictive. Suboxone, on the other hand, is a partial opioid agonist used for long-term maintenance therapy.

Risks Associated With Methadone

While methadone is an effective treatment for heroin addiction, being aware of the risks associated with its use is crucial. Methadone is a potent opioid agonist. It binds to the same receptors in the brain as heroin and other opioids. As a result, it can produce many of the same effects, including feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

However, methadone is much longer-acting than other opioids, which means it can stay in the system for several days after a single dose. As a result, it can lead to drug accumulation in the body, leading to dangerous side effects, including respiratory depression, heart failure, overdose, and even death.

Methadone also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Because of its long-acting nature, people who abuse methadone often take increasingly large doses to achieve the same effect they felt when they first started using the drug. It can lead to life-threatening overdoses. Finally, because methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, it is subject to strict regulation. Patients must obtain it from specialized clinics. It would be best to consider these factors before starting treatment with methadone.

Risks Associated With Suboxone

Suboxone, while safer than methadone, can still cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. In rare cases, it can also cause seizures. Suboxone is typically used as part of a tapering schedule, in which the dose is gradually decreased over time. It allows the body to adjust to the absence of opioids and reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

However, Suboxone can also cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly discontinued. Suboxone is a Schedule III controlled substance that can be abused like other opioids. As a result, health care providers must carefully monitor those who take Suboxone.

What Are the Side Effects of Methadone and Suboxone? 

When used as directed, methadone and Suboxone are safe and effective medications for treating pain and opioid addiction. However, like all drugs, they can cause side effects.

Side Effects of Methadone

The most common side effects of methadone include constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, and sweating. Less common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Some people may also experience serious side effects, such as slow or shallow breathing, confusion, and fainting. Other known rare side effects include:

• Hallucinations

• Irregular heartbeat

• Seizures

• Liver damage

As a result, speaking to a doctor before starting any methadone treatment is crucial.

Side Effects of Suboxone

Suboxone can cause similar side effects but is also associated with nausea and vomiting. Speaking to a doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away is critical. With proper medical supervision, Suboxone can be safely used to treat addiction. Other side effects include:

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

• Dry mouth

• Headache

• Sweating

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Mood changes

• Difficulty in thinking clearly

• Dizziness

Some side effects may go away with time, but others may persist. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor if you experience any persistent or severe side effects from Suboxone.

Can You Take Methadone and Suboxone Together?

The short answer is no because both Methadone and Suboxone are opioids. Taking them together can result in a dangerous build-up of opioids in your system, leading to overdose and death. Additionally, both drugs can cause slowed breathing, magnifying this effect when taken together. Talking to your doctor about the best treatment plan is essential if you are struggling with addiction. Many effective options are available, and taking two potentially dangerous drugs together is not considered safe or advisable.

We advise that you choose one treatment and stick with it. However, if your treatment is not working, speak to your doctor about other options.

Discuss Your Medication Options

There are both risks and benefits to taking Methadone or Suboxone. These should be carefully considered before starting any treatment. If you are struggling with addiction, we advise that you speak to a doctor about your options. Many effective treatments are available. The best choice for you depends on your circumstances.

Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment and help you make the best decision for your needs. If you would like to learn more about Methadone vs. Suboxone, please feel free to reach out to us at 1-888-225-4440. We are here to help you on your journey to recovery.

Find Medication-Assisted Treatment Near Me

Speak to a Suboxone Doctor near you today by visiting SuboxoneDoctor.com. Our website offers an online directory of doctors who specialize in MAT. MAT is an evidence-based approach to treating addiction. It has been effective in helping people recover from addiction. If you are struggling with addiction, we urge you to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Recovery is possible. Many resources are available to help you on your journey.

Visit SuboxoneDoctor.com today to find a doctor near you.