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Suboxone vs Methadone Comparison | Addiction Treatment Explained
Suboxone vs Methadone. In the growing world, the cases of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) have been significantly rising, which is why medical scientists have given their best to come up with the invention of new medicines. There are various options available for dealing with this harmful disorder, but selecting the best medicines becomes a big task. However, Suboxone and Methadone are two common opioid drugs that have been quite efficient in dealing with this disorder.
Both are used for the same purpose and have the same goal, but they work in different ways; that’s the only reason that might confuse us while choosing the appropriate one. This article aims to analyze Suboxone vs Methadone to understand deeply which can considerably determine your treatment choices. Also, this post will cover some common questions like “is suboxone the same as methadone?” and “Can you take suboxone and methadone together?” Let’s start this topic with a short overview of Methadone and Suboxone.
Differentiating Suboxone and Methadone: Efficacy, Risks, & Alternatives
Suboxone and Methadone are both effective and powerful medicines, used to manage opioid disorder, but they come from different classes and work in different ways. Let’s explore their effects better and know which one is appropriate for you, which provides relief from opioid addiction instantly.
Different Aspects of Suboxone vs Methadone
Overview of Suboxone & Its Uses
The mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone forms Suboxone, which is one of the widely prescribed drugs to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), and also helps to calm your body and mind. Buprenorphine is a patent opioid medication, provides relief from pain without severe side effects. It is familiar as a partial opioid agonist that activates the opioid receptors in the brain. After doing so, this Suboxone pill helps to reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms without producing euphoric effects.
On the other hand, Naloxone is an opioid agonist or blocker that reduces the misuse of the medication. It is satisfied by connecting to the opioid receptors more effectively than a full-antagonist opioid. After this type of connection, Suboxone mostly helps to decrease cravings, withdrawal symptoms. It is available in a sublingual film and tablet, which dissolve in the mouth with a lower risk of dependency.
Introduction to Methadone & Its Uses
Methadone is represented as a synthetic opioid medication that activates the opioid receptors in the brain. After that, it helps to relieve the pain and reduce withdrawal symptoms and craving for heroin. This medication produces feelings of euphoria at higher doses, but it is administered in regulated settings to minimize misuse. It comes under Schedule II drug, and is available in liquid or tablet form, taken once daily under the close supervision of a skilled medical professional. It is effective up to 24 hours.
Comparison of Two Medicines: Methadone vs Suboxone
Overall, both Methadone and Suboxone are utilized to treat opioid disorder, where the comparison depends on their similarities and differences. Let’s discuss briefly.
Similarities of Both Drugs (Suboxone and Methadone)
In some cases, both medicines show many similarities, which are discussed below.
- Approvals: Both Methadone and Suboxone are FDA-approved to effectively manage OUD.
- Prescription: Both drugs need a doctor’s prescription, or they are available only with a valid prescription, to avoid risk.
- Usages: Safe to use after a skilled health expert’s approval.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Both have effects on withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, extreme muscle aches, depression, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Overdose: Overdose or misuse of both drugs can cause harmful conditions which is uncontrollable in the primary stage, and seek emergency medical help.
Difference Between Suboxone and Methadone
Since both drugs have the same use, most people ask, “Are Methadone and Suboxone the same?” Simply, the answer is no. They both share some similarities, but actually, they are not the same. In this section, we will explore the factors that are apart from each other. Let’s see the table for understanding the differences.
| Features | Suboxone | Methadone |
| Brand names | Buprenorphine/ naloxone | Methadone, Methadose, Dolophine |
| Drug class | Partial opioid agonist | Full opioid agonist |
| Duration of action | 24-72 hours | 24-36 hours |
| Half-life | About 24-42 hours | 8-59 hours |
| Controlled substance | Schedule III | Schedule II |
| Withdrawal potential | Milder | Stronger |
| Onset time | Within 20-60 minutes | 30 to 45 minutes later |
| Dosing | Daily for film and monthly for injection | Daily |
| Standard Dosage | 2mg to 8mg | 5mg to 30 mg |
Methadone vs Suboxone: Which is Better?
Neither Methadone nor Suboxone is better for someone. “Better” depends on the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and treatment requirements. Suboxone is a safer option for those who have mild to moderate opioid dependence due to its partial opioid agonist character. On the other hand, Methadone is a better option if you have severe, long-term opioid addiction, but it carries a high risk of misuse. Based on these differences, specialists may suggest Methadone as a suitable option for severe cases, while Suboxone is insufficient. But Suboxone is the first-choice treatment due to its flexibility.
Side Effects: Suboxone vs Methadone
Although both Methadone and Suboxone are effective in managing OUD, misuse or overdose is the only reason that may lead to side effects. One must be aware of these side effects before choosing any option; otherwise, it will affect the quality of life. Some side effects of both drugs are listed below.
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Heavy sweating
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Low vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression
- Hives
- Fatigue
What Happens If You Take Methadone and Suboxone Together?
We have already explored that both these drugs are mostly preferable for opioid use disorder, but it is not possible to take Suboxone and Methadone together. You choose only one option at a time, either Methadone or Suboxone; otherwise, they will lead to extreme overdosing. Taking both simultaneously enhances side effects such as respiratory depression, opioid toxicity. There is also a higher chance of getting a severe allergic reaction. If you think of doing so without a doctor’s approval, naloxone in Suboxone, which works as an opioid, may throw you into methadone withdrawal.
Interaction of Both Medications (Suboxone vs Methadone)
Both medicines individually cause very serious interactions when mixed with other medicines/ substances. As a result, extreme respiratory depression, coma, and death occur. Let’s cover all possible interacting medicines.
- Other Opioid medicines: Tramadol, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Meperidine, Codeine
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium, Ativan
- Antifungals
- Seizure medicines: Gabapentin
- Grapefruit juice
- Antidepressants: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa
The sum-up
Hope we have covered all the answers in brief and you find this article informative. Through this, we have cleared that choosing between Suboxone and Methadone depends on the patient’s individual requirement. Both are productive options for opioid addiction, but they are recommended for different cases. Some people may get relief with Suboxone and some with Methadone. A better option is not about the medication’s effectiveness, so don’t be hurry and strictly follow the instructions with patience to accomplish the desired result.
