What Is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine was previously used as a pain reliever. It is a partial opioid antagonist that binds with opioid receptors in the brain, causing reduced pain and feelings of wellbeing. While buprenorphine isn’t a full opioid, it acts much like one, causing moderate receptor site activity, except it does not create a euphoric state or disorientation. As a result,buprenorphine will prevent withdrawl symptoms from,and reduce cravings for opiate drugs.

What’s the Difference between Subutex and Suboxone?

Both Subutex and Suboxone contain buprenorphine. While both drugs were developed at around the same time, Subutex was formulated first. Many users sought to inject the drug intravenously in order to obtain the high they had become accustomed to with heroin or prescription painkillers. They often succeeded in doing so, giving rise to the need to develop another drug to address this issue: Suboxone.

Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, whereas Subutex contains only buprenorphine.

Naloxone is considered to be an opiate antagonist. This means that it fills opioid receptor sites and will not allow other drugs to activate them. With these receptor sites full but not activated, a person attempting to abuse Suboxone will not experience any pleasurable effects. Hence, if a person attempts to snort or inject Suboxone, the burprenorphine won’t be able to activate the receptor sites. Since no euphoria or pleasurable effects can occur, this knowledge discourages abuse.

Which Is Better?

The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone is in regard to their abuse potential. Due to the presence of naloxone,suboxone less likely to be abused. As a result, this may be the best choice for those suffering from severe addictions or those who have been through treatment before and relapsed.In comparing Subutex and Suboxone, there is little evidence suggesting that either medication is more effective in treating opiate addiction. If both medications are used according to prescription, under medical supervision, the buprenorphine in each will work as it should, mitigating opiate withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.