Suboxone and Methadone are two effective medications that support recovery from opioid addiction. While both options help alleviate symptoms of opioid dependency, they work in different ways, leading to various benefits and side effects. In this blog, we will explore five key differences between Suboxone and Methadone to help you make an informed decision on your road to recovery.
Composition: What Are They Made Of?
The primary distinction between Suboxone and Methadone lies in their composition. The difference in their ingredients leads to varying reactions in the brain, which in turn affects how each medication supports recovery.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it partially activates opioid receptors in the brain. It satisfies the receptors linked to addiction and withdrawal without producing the euphoric “high.” Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that suppresses the effects of opioid drugs, helping to discourage misuse. This combination makes Suboxone a valuable option in the treatment of opioid addiction, as it effectively reduces cravings while minimizing the potential for misuse.
What is Methadone?
Methadone is an older, now less prescribed remedy for withdrawal symptoms. This medication is a full opioid agonist. This means that it can bind completely to the opioid receptors in the brain. It will more closely replicate the effects of opioids than Suboxone but in a controlled atmosphere. Methadone can ease withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings for a much longer duration than Suboxone can but has much higher risk for misuse and overdose as it contains “meth.” An opioid addict taking Methadone is comparable to an alcoholic weening from a bottle a day to a glass.
Efficacy in the treatment of opioid addiction
Methadone and Suboxone are both medications used to treat individuals who are still using opioids, but their effects differ.
Methadone vs. Suboxone in treatment
Another key difference between Suboxone and Methadone is how they are administered. Suboxone offers greater versatility, allowing for outpatient treatment and the possibility of take-home options for stable patients. Methadone requires daily clinic visits for direct supervision, which can be inconvenient. Due to its potential for abuse, Methadone clinics are heavily regulated, which may deter patients who are seeking less restrictive treatment options.
Suboxone is typically administered to patients who are mildly or moderately dependent on opioids. Its partial agonist activity reduces the potential for misuse, making it effective for both detoxification and maintenance phases. While Suboxone is clinically managed, patients can sometimes transition to take-home medication after achieving stability.
Methadone is a more potent drug often used at later stages of heroin addiction. As a full opioid agonist, it may require higher doses to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms. Due to its potential for misuse, Methadone is generally only available through treatment centers, where patients receive their daily doses under supervision in a controlled environment.
Chances of Abuse and Overdose
Another critical distinction between Suboxone and Methadone is the relative risk of abuse and overdose.
Methadone Compared with Suboxone Relative to Risk of Abuse
uboxone’s formulation includes naloxone, which helps prevent misuse. When administered through the authorized route, the naloxone remains inactive. However, if someone attempts to inject Suboxone, the naloxone activates and binds to opioid receptors, immediately weakening the effects of the drug and triggering withdrawal symptoms. This built-in mechanism significantly reduces the potential for abuse.
In contrast, Methadone lacks such protective measures. It acts as an agonist on all four opioid receptors, making it a more potent opioid. This increases the risk of addiction associated with Methadone use. Additionally, Methadone carries a higher risk of overdose, particularly when used in combination with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, which can lead to respiratory depression and fatal outcomes.
Suboxone vs. Methadone Overdose Risk
Suboxone contains a component that produces a “ceiling effect,” which limits the maximum dose of buprenorphine that can activate the opioid receptors. This effect is believed to reduce the risk of overdose, even if the medication is taken above the prescribed dose. Methadone does not have a ceiling effect, meaning the risk of overdose increases proportionally with the dose.
Withdrawal Symptoms: What to Expect
The shared goal of Suboxone and Methadone is to reduce withdrawal symptoms from opioid drugs. But sometimes, a patient will still experience withdrawal while on the medication, and even from the medication.
Methadone Vs. Suboxone Withdrawal
Suboxone typically causes less severe withdrawal symptoms compared to Methadone. Buprenorphine, the pharmacologically active component of Suboxone, has a long half-life, which helps prolong the remission of withdrawal symptoms. Many patients experience tapering symptoms when discontinuing Suboxone, making the process easier for them.
However, withdrawal from Methadone can be quite intense. As a full opioid agonist, stopping Methadone suddenly can lead to severe symptoms such as anxiety, muscle aches, nausea, and insomnia. Therefore, tapering off Methadone must be done gradually and under close medical supervision.
Which Is Appropriate for You: Suboxone or Methadone?
Methadone and Suboxone have several factors that differentiate them, including the level of opioid addiction, the patient’s medical history, and personal preference. Suboxone is generally well-suited for patients with low to moderate levels of addiction who can tolerate various treatments. Methadone may be a better option for those with severe addiction or chronic pain but has much higher risks than its newer counterpart.
Both medications can be effective when used in conjunction with an integrated treatment program that includes therapy, counseling, and support groups. Ultimately, it is up to the healthcare provider to determine the best option for each patient and guide them toward the most appropriate choice for their recovery.
Conclusion
Suboxone and Methadone are two of the most prescribed medications for treating opioid addiction, but there are significant differences between them. These factors often make Suboxone the preferred choice for many patients. However, Methadone, as a full agonist, can be more comforting for those struggling with severe cases of addiction. Both medications are integral to opioid addiction treatment, and understanding the distinctions between them can ensure the most informed decisions.
While it’s great to do your own research, it’s always important to consult a professional. PsychPlus offers a valuable network of qualified mental health providers who are passionate about helping you on your recovery journey. Don’t wait- click here to book your same/ next day appointment.
