Suboxone and Subutex are both FDA approved medications to help treat opioid use disorder (OUD). In this article we will discuss how the medications works, their potential side effects, safety and the risk of misuse of Suboxone vs Subutex.
Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions about what medication assisted treatment with these drugs will look like for you.
Key Facts
- Suboxone and Subutex differ in ingredients, but both help control withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorders.
- Suboxone and Subutex have different mechanisms of action, benefits and availability.
- Suboxone and Subutex have similar potential side effects and risks associated with misuse.
- Suboxone can be accessed through a certified and licensed physician via telehealth or in clinics.
Suboxone vs. Subutex: Why It Matters
Medication assisted treatment utilizes a mix of FDA approved medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), including Suboxone and Subutex.
Quick Overview: What Are Suboxone and Subutex?
Suboxone and Subutex are FDA approved medications to help you overcome opioid use disorder. Both use buprenorphine while Suboxone also contains naloxone. Both medicines improve withdrawal symptoms and cravings and lower the risk of overdose.
Suboxone and Subutex are considered synthetic opioids. Although you are using an opioid to treat your OUD, you are not trading one addiction for another.
While on MAT, the prescribing medical professional closely monitors your progress, assesses for any complications and ensures that you are on the lowest dose possible- all to reduce the risk of addiction to the medication.
How the Medications Work
Although both medications contain similar components, Suboxone and Subutex impact the brain differently. Understanding how they work and their benefits helps you to decide which is best option for your unique situation.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone): Mechanism, Benefits & Misuse Deterrent
Suboxone’s active ingredients include buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain without producing the euphoric effects of other opioids. As a result, it helps to treat OUD by stabilizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. This means that it binds to opioid receptors but does not produce the same “high” as other opioid drugs.
If you misuse Suboxone, such as by injecting or snorting the drug you will experience an almost immediate onset of severe withdrawal symptoms.
These uncomfortable symptoms serve as a diversion measure by helping to prevent you from wanting to misuse it again. When taken as prescribed, naloxone remains inactive.
Suboxone comes in two forms, including tablets and sublingual films that dissolve under your tongue. Typically, you take the medicine daily. You can take Suboxone long term for maintenance and step down plans.
When you are ready to stop taking the medication, your doctor will gradually taper your Suboxone dose to ensure that you don’t experience any withdrawal symptoms.
Subutex / Buprenorphine Only: Mechanism, Availability & When It’s Used
Subutex contains only buprenorphine. Like Suboxone, Subutex decreases cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, because it does not contain naloxone, you are not protected against misuse consequences, such as overdose.
So, why would a physician prescribe Subutex when Suboxone improves withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while also having diversion properties.
The decision to use one drug over the other will depend on factors such as allergies, certain medical conditions or potential drug to drug interactions.
A thorough medical assessment by a qualified medical professional will help to ensure you are prescribed the right medication to meet your unique needs.
Choosing Between Suboxone vs .Subutex
Choosing between Suboxone and Subutex requires understanding of how they work, their side effects and any risks associated with the drugs. You also need to assess the cost, its availability, and the impact it can have on your daily life.
Safety, Side Effects and Risk of Misuse
Suboxone and Subutex are safe when taken as prescribed, with medical supervision and secure storage. It is crucial to avoid stopping suddenly and adjusting your own doses.
Like most medications, these drugs have side effects. Some common side effects associated with both drugs include headache, nausea, constipation, sleep disturbances, excessive sweating and respiratory depression.
If you misuse either medication by mixing it with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other respiratory depressing drugs, you risk respiratory failure and possibly toxicity or overdose.
Suboxone is the preferred choice if you struggle with a severe opioid use disorder or a history of injection or snorting opioids.
Because it contains naloxone, you will want to avoid other opioids so you don’t experience the uncomfortable sudden withdrawal symptoms that occur if you misuse it.
Practical Factors: Cost, Access, Telehealth and Daily Life on Medication
Accessing Suboxone or Subutex includes visiting a physician registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and licensed to prescribe the medication. These visits may be in person or online.
Your insurance may cover all or part of the costs; therefore review your plan or call them to verify your coverage. Also check to see if your insurance provider prefers generic drugs over name brands and whether prior authorization is necessary.
When taking Suboxone or Subutex, you must remember that both are considered an opioid. Therefore, you must consider this when operating machinery, driving and in any other situations where you need to be alert and focused.
Medication alone will not treat OUD. Although it is an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan, the best chance of long term recovery comes when you combine MAT with counseling, support groups and relapse prevention planning.
FAQs About Suboxone vs Subutex
The Subutex brand is largely discontinued in the U.S., but buprenorphine only generics are still used in some cases.
If you hear someone say “Subutex”, they are likely referring to a generic buprenorphine only medication not a specific brand. Many pharmacies keep Suboxone in stock instead of buprenorphine only drugs.
Both medicines manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings very well.
If you feel you need an added safety feature to deter misuse, Suboxone is a better choice.Subutex is typically only used for specific clinical reasons and depending on your personal circumstances.
Choosing the best medicine requires considering your medical history, medical conditions and your physician’s evaluation results.
Some people switch from one drug to another due to side effects, cost, insurance coverage and concerns about misuse.
To safely change from one drug to the other, you need close medical supervision and direction by a qualified medical professional who can adjust doses to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms or risk destabilization, which may trigger a relapse.
Never try to change a dose or formula on your own. Instead, consult your doctor as soon as you have concerns.
Find Treatment Near You
To learn more about Suboxone and Subutex, or opioid use disorder and withdrawal, call
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You can also use the Rehab.com online directory to find treatment centers, filtering by location, level of care, insurance and special programs in your area.
If you’re looking for more immediate support, the confidential helpline is available 365 days a year. Call
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