What Is the Difference Between Suboxone and Subutex?

Suboxone and Subutex have been the go-to medications for people with opioid addiction since the early 2000s. They're both effective treatments for people who want to quit opioids. But they have significant differences. Knowing the similarities and differences between these two medications can help you make a more informed decision about your treatment and how to manage your opioid addiction best.

This blog post will discuss the differences between Suboxone and Subutex and some similarities. We will also answer common questions about these two medications. Let's begin. 

A Brief History of Suboxone and Subutex 

Suboxone and Subutex are two pharmaceutical drugs used for treating opioid addiction. Both drugs are opioid partial agonists of the mu-opioid receptor, which bind to the receptor and activate it, but to a lesser extent than full agonists, such as heroin or methadone. They produce a milder euphoric effect, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the patient to feel high.

Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex is just buprenorphine. Naloxone in Suboxone prevents abuse, as it blocks opioid effects. Suboxone and Subutex were developed by Reckitt Benckiser Group, a pharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom. The FDA approved their use in the United States in 2002, and they have been widely prescribed since then.

Before the development of Suboxone and Subutex, methadone was the primary medication for treating opioid addiction. Methadone is a full agonist of the mu-opioid receptor, which binds to the receptor and activates it to a greater extent than partial agonists like buprenorphine. Hence, methadone produces a more intense euphoric effect, which can help some people manage their addiction. However, methadone is also highly addictive and can be dangerous if misused. Methadone clinics must be licensed and closely regulated due to their potential for abuse.

Suboxone and Subutex were developed as an alternative to methadone that would be less addictive and hard to abuse. They are both effective at treating opioid addiction and are now the most commonly prescribed medications for this purpose.

Similarities Between Suboxone and Subutex 

Suboxone and Subutex are both buprenorphine-based medications. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used for treating opiate addiction and dependence. It is an opioid partial agonist, which binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, such as heroin or oxycodone. Still, it produces a weaker effect than full opioid agonists. It makes buprenorphine a safer alternative to other opioids, with less risk of overdose and addiction.

Suboxone and Subutex are both available in tablet form. They are typically taken sublingually (under the tongue) but can also be taken buccally (between the cheek and gum). The tablets dissolve quickly, and the buprenorphine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.

Suboxone and Subutex are both used for treating opiate addiction and dependence. They reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is more commonly prescribed than Subutex, as it is less likely to be abused. However, both drugs are effective treatments for opiate addiction.

Being buprenorphine-based medications, Suboxone and Subutex also share several common side effects. These include drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased heart rate, blurred vision, and more.

Differences Between Suboxone and Subutex

The most significant difference between Suboxone and Subutex is that Suboxone contains naloxone, while Subutex does not.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that binds to the brain’s mu-opioid receptors and blocks them. It prevents other opioids from binding to these receptors and producing their effects. Naloxone is included in Suboxone to deter abuse, as it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if the drug is injected. Think of naloxone as a safety net to prevent Suboxone abuse.

Another difference between the two drugs is that Subutex is only available in tablet form, while Suboxone is also available as a sublingual film. The film dissolves quickly on the tongue, and the buprenorphine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. It's essential to take both medications as directed by your doctor. Otherwise, it can result in withdrawal symptoms.

Subutex has a generic form, while Suboxone is only available as a brand-name drug. Generic drugs are typically cheaper than brand-name drugs. It may be a factor to consider if you want to save money on your medication.

Regarding dosage strengths, Subutex is available in 3 different strengths: 0.4 mg, 2 mg, and 8 mg buprenorphine. 

Meanwhile, Suboxone comes in 4 different strengths:

• 2 mg buprenorphine and 0.5 mg naloxone

• 4 mg buprenorphine and 1 mg naloxone

• 8 mg buprenorphine and 2 mg naloxone

• 12 mg buprenorphine and 3 mg naloxone

Your Suboxone doctor will prescribe the proper dosage strength, depending on some factors, including your level of opioid dependence, your medical history, and your response to treatment. Taking the lowest possible dose that is effective for you is essential, as higher doses can increase the risk of side effects and abuse. Talk to your Suboxone doctor about what dose is right for you.

Can Subutex Be Substituted for Suboxone? 

Subutex and Suboxone share the same main ingredient (buprenorphine). Both can treat opiate addiction. So, yes, Subutex can be substituted for Suboxone if necessary.

However, it's important to note that Suboxone is the preferred treatment for opiate addiction, as it is less likely to be abused. That is because Suboxone contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist which prevents opioid effects. So while Subutex can be used as a substitute for Suboxone, it is not the preferred treatment option.

If you are prescribed Suboxone, take it as directed by your doctor. Do not change your dose, switch to other opioids, or stop taking the drug without first consulting your doctor. Doing so can result in withdrawal symptoms and many adverse effects.

Is Suboxone Safer Than Subutex? 

Yes. Suboxone is a safer option than Subutex, as it is less likely to be abused. Even though Suboxone and Subutex are both schedule III substances, Suboxone is less likely to be abused as it contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Naloxone's main job is to bind to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and block them. That prevents other opioids from binding to these receptors and producing their effects.

Subutex does not have this safety net against abuse, as it does not contain naloxone, so it is more likely to be abused. EMCDDA reported in 2017 that Subutex is Finland's most abused opioid, with 43,000 tablets of illegally obtained Subutex being seized in 2015.

If you feel like you have the tendency to abuse opioids, or if you have a history of substance abuse, be sure to talk to your doctor about starting with Subutex, as it may be more likely that you will abuse this drug.

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Subutex if It Has No Opioid Blocker?

Subutex is mainly prescribed during the early stages of treatment, as it is easier to titrate the dose of buprenorphine when naloxone is not present. Naloxone has a ceiling effect. It will completely block the mu-opioid receptors at high doses, making it challenging to find the correct dose. In addition, patients can immediately start treatment with Subutex even if they are still using opioids, as naloxone will not cause withdrawal symptoms.

You can only take Suboxone once you have detoxed from opioids, as taking Suboxone while still using opioids can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. So doctors prescribe Subutex because it is easier to titrate the dose and can be taken even if you still have opioids in your system.

Subutex vs. Suboxone in Pregnancy

Subutex and Suboxone are safe to take during pregnancy and often the preferred treatment option for pregnant women addicted to opioids. Compared to other alternatives like methadone, Subutex and Suboxone have a lower risk of causing congenital disabilities.

However, there are some risks associated with taking buprenorphine during pregnancy. These might include anything from low birth weight to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and preterm labor. So, while Subutex and Suboxone are generally safe during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking these drugs before deciding.

Can You Switch From Methadone to Buprenorphine?

Many people do switch from methadone to buprenorphine-based treatments like Suboxone or Subutex. Buprenorphine is often preferred over methadone because it has a lower risk of overdose and abuse and can be taken at home instead of at a clinic.

However, switching from methadone to buprenorphine can be tricky, as buprenorphine can cause withdrawal symptoms in people taking high doses of methadone. So, talking to your doctor about slowly tapering off methadone before starting buprenorphine is critical. We have a complete guide about switching from Methadone to Suboxone here.

Find an Online Suboxone Doctor Today

If you're seeking a Suboxone doctor to help you with your opiate addiction, look no further than SuboxoneDoctor.com. Our website is the leading online directory for Suboxone doctors. We provide a comprehensive database of doctors certified and licensed to prescribe Suboxone to treat opiate addiction. With our platform, you can easily find a doctor in your area or online who can help you get started on your road to recovery. Start your search today and find the perfect Suboxone doctor for you.