How Do Methadone and Suboxone Differ?

 Chronic pain is pain that lasts for an extended period. Opioids are powerful pain relievers that doctors prescribe. However, while these drugs are effective, they can also be habit-forming, leading to addiction and dependence. As a result, they must get used with caution.


Both methadone and Suboxone are opioids. Suboxone is only approved for treating opioid dependence, not chronic pain. Methadone gets used to treat both chronic pain and opioid addiction. Continue reading to learn more about how these two medications compare. 


Addiction is not the same as dependence.


Addiction occurs when you have uncontrollable cravings for a drug that gets cause you to continue using it. As a result, you cannot discontinue the use of the drug, even though it has negative consequences.


Dependence develops when your body physically adapts to a drug and becomes tolerant. As a result, more drugs will be required to achieve the same effect.


Methadone is available in the following forms:

  • oral solution

  • oral tablet

  • oral concentrate

  • injectable solution

  • An oral dispersible tablet that must be dissolved in a liquid before administration

Brand-name Suboxone is available in an oral film that can be dissolved under the tongue (sublingual) or placed between the cheek and gums to dissolve (buccal).


Buprenorphine/naloxone (the active ingredient in Suboxone) is an oral film and a sublingual tablet.


Medication access


There are limitations to how you can obtain these medications. These restrictions vary according to the type of drug and the purpose for which it is being used.


Only methadone gets approved for the treatment of chronic pain. Methadone is available in some pharmacies for pain relief, but not all. Discuss which pharmacies can fill a methadone prescription for chronic pain with your doctor.


Methadone and Suboxone can both be used to help you get through the opioid detoxification process.


Detoxification occurs when your body attempts to rid itself of a drug. Withdrawal symptoms occur during detoxification. Most withdrawal symptoms aren't life-threatening, but they're excruciatingly painful. Methadone and Suboxone can help with this. In addition, they can help you with your withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Methadone and Suboxone both aid in detoxification, but their administration methods differ.


Treatment with methadone

Methadone can only be obtained from certified opioid treatment programs when used for addiction treatment. Methadone maintenance clinics are among them.


You must go to one of these clinics to begin treatment. A doctor monitors each dose.


Once the clinic doctor determines that you are stable on methadone treatment, you may take the medication home between clinic visits. However, even if you take medicine at home, it must be obtained from a certified opioid treatment program.

 

Treatment with Suboxone

You do not need to go to a clinic to receive Suboxone treatment. Instead, your doctor will give you a prescription.


They will, however, most likely closely monitor the start of your treatment. They may ask you to come to their office to pick up the medication. They might also catch you taking the drug.


If you're allowed to take the medication at home, your doctor may only give you a few doses at a time. On the other hand, your doctor will most likely allow you to manage your treatment over time.


Methadone and Suboxone are both opioids that can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone, as a Schedule II drug, is more likely to be abused than Suboxone.


Withdrawal symptoms from either medication can vary significantly in severity from person to person. Methadone withdrawal symptoms typically last 2 to 3 weeks, whereas Suboxone withdrawal symptoms can last from one to several months.


Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • sweating

  • shaking

  • sweating

  • feeling hot or cold

  • runny nose

  • watery eyes

  • goosebumps

  • diarrhea

  • nausea or vomiting

  • muscle aches or muscle cramps

  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Do not discontinue either medication on your own. Your withdrawal symptoms will worsen if you do.


If you need to discontinue your medication, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage over time to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.


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