Methadone Vs,. Suboxone
Certain medications can be used to treat opioid addiction and withdrawal, as well as some types of pain. Two such medications are methadone and suboxone. The two are very similar and can be extremely useful against drug addictions when used under supervision, but the sad thing about them is that they can also lead to addiction.
Methadone and suboxone are offered on prescription in certain dosages depending on the case and the client. They are a bit different in the way they operate, but also in regard with the benefits they can provide. At the same time, if used for too long or not used according to a healthcare provider’s instructions, they can easily lead to addiction.
Not only that, but the two also have some side effects and may cause withdrawal in addicts. Therefore, anyone who has been prescribed methadone or suboxone should be aware of the risks and know what to do in case they end up with an addiction. People can treat their addictions and withdrawals in special centers, and methadone and suboxone addictions are no exception.
Explaining Methadone
Methadone is an opioid drug prescribed by healthcare providers to patients who are experiencing moderate to severe pain. Conversely, it is also offered to individuals who are addicted to certain opioid drugs. The synthetic opioid is great at reducing cravings and withdrawals, so it is often used in rehab centers as a treatment.
Methadone contains one ingredient called methadone hydrochloride. It was created during World War II by German doctors. The drug basically binds on the same opioid receptors that oxycontin and heroin do, thus being able to calm cravings.
While taking methadone will feel the same as taking a dose of the drug the patient is addicted to, it will not cause the same euphoric effect. Also, the dose prescribed will vary for each individual. Methadone may be taken for up to 12 months and during this time, the dosage may change. Methadone treatment is always suprivised by a doctor.
Explaining Suboxone
Suboxone is a partial agonist opioid. It works similarly to methadone as it binds to the opioid receptors of the brain. However, it doesn’t stimulate them the same way.
It combines two different medications, respectively naloxone, and buprenorphine. Naloxone is an opioid blocker, whereas buprenorphine is a partial-agonist opioid that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Suboxone was first prescribed in the U.S. in 2002. It comes in pill form, as a film strip, or as an implant under the skin of the arm. While it can be used for the same purpose as methadone, suboxone is not as strong.
Methadone Vs. Suboxone Doses
In order to use methadone, it usually has to be dispensed orally. It has two forms that allow you to do this, respectively tablet and liquid.
With the tablets, users have the option to swallow them or add them to water to dissolve them. For the liquid form, a measuring pump can be used to dispense it. This way, the methadone dose can be adjusted even to a single milligram.
Meanwhile, suboxone can be administered as a tablet, but it also comes as a film. The latter can be placed under the tongue, which will allow it to dissolve.
With tablets, patients usually get suboxone doses between 12 and 32 milligrams. Maintenance doses with films are usually also between 12 and 32 milligrams.
Benefits of Methadone
If someone needs to treat their addiction to opioids or is dealing with certain types of pain, methadone can be extremely effective. It is generally part of a plan for addiction treatment that can stop your drug cravings.
Methadone has a flexible dose and it is easy to use. What makes it so great for treatments is that it is pretty strong, but also the fact that the patient is usually supervised while taking the first doses. This ensures that they take the right amount.
After a while, the patient can take the Methadone at home with no supervision. This is an advantage because it can prevent the patient from relapsing.
Benefits of Suboxone
Suboxone is not as strong as methadone, but what makes it helpful is that it has a cieling effect, which means taking anything above a certain dosage does not illicit any more effects. On top of that, the fact that it is not as strong means that it will not cause the same kind of high as opioids.
According to a study from the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, suboxone helped reduce the number of emergency room visits in test subjects by 45%. Therefore, it can be great in stopping opioid abuse.
Methadone Side Effects
Methadone has a few side effects, just like other drugs. The side effects can greatly affect one’s mind and body, and they may be mild or severe depending on the individual. The most common side effects of methadone include:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Drowsiness
- Worsened respiratory function
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sexual impotence
- Seizures
On top of that, methadone may lead to an addiction in some people, particularly those with a history of substance abuse or people who use it illegally or for prolonged periods.
Suboxone Side Effects
Suboxone is not free of side effects either, but they usually tend to be more on the physical side and quite mild. Some side effects associated with suboxone are:
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Difficulties concentrating
- Insomnia
- Numbness
Suboxone has the potential for addiction in some people. Individuals with a substance abuse history are especially at risk.
Suboxone and Methadone Withdrawals
Both methadone and suboxone can lead to addiction – therefore, quitting them can cause withdrawal. Compared to suboxone, methadone is more addictive, which means that the withdrawal can also be worse.
When one experiences methadone withdrawal, it tends to last for 2 or 3 weeks. Meanwhile, suboxone withdrawals are longer, lasting for several months.
Methadone and suboxone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Feeling hot or cold
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Shaking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain or cramps
- Hard time sleeping
- Goosebumps
- Sweating
Why Real Deal Therapy & Wellness Can Help You
Real Deal will make sure that you treat your methadone and suboxone addiction. At the same time, we’ll take care of the mental health issues that may encourage addictions.
Thanks to our program, patients can go through a detoxification process, but also sign up for individual therapy. Not only that, but our patients will get the best treatment possible from our professionals, and will also be encouraged to keep moving forward.
If anyone you know has developed a methadone or suboxone addiction, call for help as soon as you can. Otherwise, they may end up overdosing.