Buprenorphine and Suboxone are two of the most common drugs used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Still, that fact doesn’t address a key treatment question: Which should you get? You’ll naturally want to ensure the medication you pick is the best one for your recovery. Luckily enough, it isn’t hard to discover the medicine that helps you most. Just keep reading to learn how Buprenorphine and Suboxone differ and which is the best for you.
So, What’s Buprenorphine?
A lot of folks can trust Buprenorphine to help with their opioid addictions. While the simpler of the two treatment options, it’s no less effective at making a patient healthy.
Buprenorphine is a generic prescription drug that treats OUD. As a partial opioid agonist, it latches onto receptors used by more potent opioids to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal signs. That means you can take this medication to balance your brain without getting a strong high. You’ll then have a chance to heal as you work on recovery.
With all that said, Buprenorphine does have the potential for misuse. A patient could try injecting it to experience intense euphoria, delaying their recovery.
What About Suboxone?
Though “newer” than Buprenorphine, Suboxone is pretty well-regarded now. Many patients prefer it as their way to overcome addiction.
Suboxone is a brand-name drug used with counseling to treat OUD. It actively combines Buprenorphine and naloxone, so it’s both a partial opioid agonist and an opioid antagonist. The naloxone is a safety feature that discourages patients from dissolving or injecting their medication. (If you do so, the naloxone will cause you to feel very sick.)
In most cases, Suboxone takes the form of dissolving strips. It also tends to be a bit pricier than Buprenorphine alone.
Which Medicine is Right for You?
Between Buprenorphine and Suboxone, the “best” choice suits your situation. Each medicine has unique strengths that could help different patients.
Your current needs will determine which drug is ideal for you. For example, a patient with limited funds or an allergy to naloxone should probably get Buprenorphine. On the other hand, those willing to pay a bit more (and able to handle naloxone) will want to pick Suboxone.
Of course, you shouldn’t consider Buprenorphine or Suboxone without guidance. Please consult your doctor about which drug would help your recovery most.
About the Practice
B&L Medical Group is based in Kansas City, KS. Led by nurse practitioner Laura Lindsay, our practice strives to help all patients overcome their alcohol or opioid addictions. We do so through medication-assisted treatments that rely on Buprenorphine, Suboxone, and various other drugs. With the right medicine, our team will put you on the path to lasting sobriety! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (913)-713-1238.