What is Subutex or suboxone?!
Question:
What is Subutex or suboxone?
These were suggested to take while I come of off methadone am I just not switching one drug for another drug
Answers:
Subutex and Suboxone are both the same medication. Suboxone also has Naltrexone, an opiate antagonist, in it. This is to prevent abuse of the medication. If taken properly, the Naltrexone does not get absorbed by the body and has no effect. If the medication is crushed or otherwise tampered with, the Naltrexone binds to the opiate receptors, knocking the narcotic part of the medication off of the receptors and triggering withdrawal symptoms.
Suboxone/Subutex is intended as a detox medication. Buprenorphine, while an opiate, does not induce the euphoria that other opiates can cause, but does keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. It allows the user to safely and comfortably taper down the dose of medication until he/she is using none. It can also be used as a maintenance medication for as long as needed and is often used for pain management in patients with a history of substance abuse.