Suboxone vs. Subutex: What's the Difference?

Subutex is the brand name of a prescription medication called buprenorphine, which medical professionals use treat opioid dependence and addiction. It has been discontinued and replaced by Suboxone in most cases. Previously, it was frequently prescribed to individuals alongside evidence-based therapies while they completed a medication-assisted program for addiction.¹

The active ingredient in Subutex, buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist, which works by partially binding the opioid receptors in the brain. Since it does not fully bind to these receptors, not all the effects of opioid drugs are blocked, and they cannot be reversed. However, buprenorphine can reduce cravings and the likelihood of relapse, which may help individuals focus on their recovery during treatment.²

When taken as directed by a doctor, Subutex is not habit-forming. However, if abused, it can produce a euphoric high. Buprenorphine is only available with a doctor’s prescription and should be used exactly as directed, in the correct dosage.

Some side effects of taking Subutex may include:³

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Sleep-related breathing problems
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Drowsiness

Taking too much Subutex or using it with other drugs could cause overdose or severe side effects.

Subutex is easier to abuse when someone takes it in tablet form. Usually, people who misuse it will crush the tablets and snort them or inject them. The result is a high that’s similar to using heroin or morphine.

If someone is misusing Subutex to get high, short-term side effects typically include:

• Euphoria
• Pain relief
• Sedation
• Sweating
• Mood swings
• Body aches
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Overdose

Other behavioral signs of Subutex abuse or addiction may include:

• Neglecting hobbies or interests once enjoyed
• Poor performance at school or work
• Sleep disturbances or varying sleep patterns
• Sudden changes in social habits
• Financial problems
• Physical signs of injecting drugs, like bruises or injection marks (also called “track marks”)

Suboxone is another FDA-approved medication to treat opioid use disorder. It’s the brand name for a drug that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone is the main ingredient in the opioid reversal drug Narcan. It is as an opioid antagonist, which means it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks all the effects of opioid drugs.

Naloxone can also reverse the effects of opioids. As a result, medical professionals use it to treat opioid overdoses. However, Suboxone won’t provide the same effects since it also contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. (A partial opioid agonist is a drug that tricks the brain into thinking it's taking an opioid drug by interacting with the same receptors.

By taking Suboxone, people recovering from opioid addiction won’t experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms or cravings as long as an individual takes it as prescribed. Ideally, this will help them re-establish a sober lifestyle.

Suboxone is available as a tablet or film strips that come in 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg dosages. Suboxone can be dangerous if not taken exactly as directed by a doctor, but it is less likely than Subutex to be abused.

Suboxone is a controlled substance in the U.S. and a Schedule III prescription drug, which means it can cause physical or psychological dependence and may be misused. Using Suboxone as prescribed by a doctor can result in some side effects, like:⁶

• Headache
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as body aches, abdominal cramps, and rapid heart rate
• Anxiety
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Sweating
• Depression
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Weakness or fatigue
• Back pain
• Burning tongue
• Redness in the mouth

Misusing Suboxone can result in more serious side effects, such as:⁶

• Breathing problems
• Liver damage
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Cravings
• Overdose
• Addiction

Yes, if Suboxone or Subutex are misused, they can cause physical dependence or addiction. However, Suboxone is less likely than Subutex to be misused because it can produce opioid withdrawal symptoms when taken in high doses. As a result, the manufacturer has discontinued Subutex, and Suboxone is now primarily used to treat opioid addiction (alongside evidence-based treatment methods).

Researchers created the prescription medications Subutex and Suboxone to help people overcome opioid addiction. However, when they’re misused, they can also become a danger themselves. People who are addicted to opioids often need medical treatment and professional treatment to get sober.

If you’re addicted to opioids and ready to make a change, the caring professionals at Briarwood Detox Center are available to help. We can help you get through opioid withdrawal with a medically-assisted opioid detox program that we’ve designed to address your unique needs.

You’re not alone in this, and you are more than your addiction. Please call (866) 710-7710 or contact us online to start your journey to recovery today. We accept most forms of insurance.

References:

1. goodrx.com
2. NIH
3. WebMD
4. Long subutex stay system 3543907 (Drugs.com)
5. Long suboxone stay system 3535350 (Drugs.com)
6. medicalnewstoday.com
7. justice.gov

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