What Are Subutex and Suboxone?
Subutex and Suboxone are buprenorphine-based medications used to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means it works on the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but its effects are not as strong as those of opioids such as heroin or oxycodone.
Buprenorphine can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings. This can help people feel more stable while they work on their recovery.
Because buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect,” its opioid effects increase less as the dose increases beyond a certain point. This can help reduce the risk of some effects associated with full opioid agonists, although buprenorphine can still cause physical dependence, misuse and serious side effects.
The main difference between the two medications is what they contain.
Subutex (Buprenorphine Only)
Subutex is a brand-name medication that contains buprenorphine without naloxone. Buprenorphine-only medications are approved to treat OUD and may be used in certain situations.
Because buprenorphine is an opioid, it can still be misused and can cause physical dependence. It should be taken only as prescribed and under the care of a qualified healthcare professional.
Buprenorphine is available in several forms. A healthcare professional can help determine which medication and formulation is most appropriate for each patient.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine + Naloxone)
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is added mainly to discourage misuse, especially by injection.
When Suboxone is taken as directed under the tongue or in the cheek, only a small amount of naloxone enters the bloodstream. If someone misuses the medication by injection, naloxone can block or reduce opioid effects and may cause withdrawal in a person who is physically dependent on opioids.
Suboxone is used as part of a complete treatment plan. Depending on the person, treatment may include medication, counseling, behavioral health services and other recovery support.
Key Differences Between Subutex and Suboxone
The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone is their ingredients. Subutex contains buprenorphine alone, while Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone.
| Feature | Subutex | Suboxone |
| Active ingredients | Buprenorphine | Buprenorphine + naloxone |
| Medication type | Partial opioid agonist | Partial opioid agonist + opioid antagonist |
| Formulation | Buprenorphine-only formulation | Buprenorphine/naloxone formulation |
| Role of naloxone | Not included | Helps discourage misuse by injection |
| Key consideration | May be appropriate in certain clinical situations | Commonly used as part of OUD treatment |
Both medications use buprenorphine to help treat OUD. The main difference is that Suboxone also includes naloxone to help discourage misuse.
The right medication depends on several factors. A healthcare professional may consider the opioids a person has been using, their medical history, current withdrawal symptoms, other medications and their treatment setting.
For some people, a buprenorphine-only medication may be appropriate. For others, a medication containing both buprenorphine and naloxone may be a better choice.
There is no single treatment that works for everyone with OUD. A healthcare professional can help determine which medication and level of care are appropriate.
Suboxone Effects and Side Effects
Suboxone can help people with OUD manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because it contains buprenorphine, it can also help stabilize the body's response to opioid dependence while a person continues treatment.
Common Side Effects
Like any medication, Suboxone can cause side effects. The FDA prescribing information lists several possible side effects, including headache, nausea, vomiting, increased sweating, constipation, insomnia and pain.
Common Suboxone side effects may include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Dizziness
Side effects can vary from person to person. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have side effects or are concerned about how Suboxone is affecting you.
Serious Risks and Interactions
Suboxone works differently from full opioid medications, but it is still an opioid and can cause serious problems if misused or combined with certain substances.
Suboxone can cause serious breathing problems, especially when it is misused or taken with other substances that slow breathing. These may include benzodiazepines, alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. Combining these substances can increase the risk of severe sedation, breathing problems, overdose and death.
Other possible risks include:
- Physical dependence and withdrawal if treatment is stopped suddenly
- Misuse or diversion of the medication
- Sudden opioid withdrawal if treatment is started too soon
- Liver problems in some patients
- Allergic reactions
- Sleepiness or impaired ability to drive or operate machinery
Take Suboxone exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements and other substances you use before starting treatment.
With ongoing treatment, a person may continue taking Suboxone for months, years or longer when the medication remains helpful and is monitored by a healthcare professional. Long-term treatment can cause physical dependence, but physical dependence is not the same as addiction. Regular follow-up can help a healthcare professional monitor side effects, treatment progress and whether the medication continues to meet the person's needs.
Do not stop taking Suboxone on your own. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if stopping treatment is appropriate and, if so, how to reduce the medication safely.
Suboxone Withdrawal
Suboxone can cause physical dependence, which means withdrawal symptoms may occur when treatment is stopped. Symptoms can include anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, irritability and opioid cravings. The severity and duration of withdrawal can vary based on factors such as the dose, how long the medication has been used and the person's individual health and treatment history.
Stopping Suboxone suddenly may make withdrawal symptoms more difficult to manage and can increase the risk of returning to opioid use. If a person and their healthcare provider decide that stopping treatment is appropriate, the medication may be reduced gradually under medical supervision.
Because Suboxone is used to treat opioid use disorder, the decision to taper or stop treatment should be individualized. A healthcare professional can help weigh the potential benefits and risks of continuing or discontinuing medication.
If you're considering medication for opioid use disorder or have questions about Suboxone, you don't have to navigate your options alone. Contact Beach House Center for Recovery to talk with our team about MAT and opioid addiction treatment options.
How MAT Supports Opioid Recovery
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications as part of treatment for opioid use disorder. These medications are also commonly referred to as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Three medications are approved by the FDA to treat OUD: buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. These medications can help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They can also help people stay in treatment and reduce the risk of returning to opioid use.
MAT may also include counseling, behavioral therapy, medical care and other recovery services. Treatment can address opioid use while also providing support for the emotional, behavioral and practical challenges that can affect recovery.
At Beach House Center for Recovery, MAT is available as part of treatment for opioid use disorder. The center's MAT program may include medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, along with medical monitoring and behavioral therapies.
For some people, a medical detox program may be the first step. Medical detox provides medical monitoring and support as the body adjusts to stopping or reducing substance use. Medication may be used during detox when appropriate to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Detox alone does not treat opioid use disorder. After detox, ongoing treatment may include medication, therapy and other recovery services.
MAT does not have to end when detox is complete. Depending on the person's treatment needs, medication may continue during residential treatment, outpatient care or a continuing care program. Some people benefit from taking medication for months, years or longer.
Who Needs Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT may be an option for people with opioid use disorder who have cravings, withdrawal symptoms or trouble stopping opioid use without medical support.
A healthcare professional can look at several factors when deciding whether medication treatment may help, including:
- Current and past opioid use
- Withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Physical and mental health
- Previous treatment
- Other medications or substances being used
- Treatment goals
- The level of support needed during recovery
You do not have to try other treatments first before talking with a healthcare professional about medication. OUD affects each person differently, so treatment should be based on individual needs.
People who use opioids such as heroin, oxycodone or other prescription opioids may benefit from an evaluation for medication treatment.
For example, someone seeking heroin addiction treatment may be evaluated for MAT along with other evidence-based treatments.
Someone who has become physically dependent on a prescription opioid may also need oxycodone detox support when stopping the medication.
The right level of care depends on the person. A healthcare professional can help determine whether MAT, medical detox, residential treatment, outpatient care or a combination of services is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Suboxone treatment last?
There is no set amount of time that everyone should take Suboxone. Some people take buprenorphine for months or years, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment.
The length of treatment should be based on the person's needs and whether the medication continues to help. There is no need to stop treatment simply because a certain amount of time has passed.
Stopping Suboxone is a medical decision. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and may increase the risk of returning to opioid use. If you want to stop treatment, talk with your healthcare provider about whether tapering is appropriate and how to do it safely.
Can you get addicted to Suboxone?
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, an opioid that can cause physical dependence and can be misused. However, physical dependence is not the same as opioid addiction or opioid use disorder.
When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is an evidence-based medication for treating OUD. It can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and help people stay in treatment.
Because Suboxone can cause physical dependence, take it only as prescribed. If you want to stop taking it, talk with your healthcare provider rather than stopping suddenly.
What is the difference between Subutex and Suboxone?
The main difference is what they contain. Subutex contains buprenorphine alone, while Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone.
Both medications use buprenorphine to help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone is included in Suboxone mainly to discourage misuse, especially by injection.
A healthcare professional can help determine which medication is appropriate based on your health, treatment needs and other factors.
Is Suboxone the Same as Buprenorphine?
No. Buprenorphine is the medication that helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is a specific medication that combines buprenorphine with naloxone.
Buprenorphine is available in several forms, including buprenorphine-only medications and medications that combine buprenorphine with naloxone. A healthcare professional can help determine which formulation is appropriate.
Does Beach House Center for Recovery offer medication-assisted treatment?
Yes. Beach House Center for Recovery offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Its MAT program includes medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, with treatment recommendations based on each patient's needs.
MAT may be part of a larger treatment program that includes medical care, behavioral therapy and recovery support. Some patients may also begin with medical detox when medical support is needed during withdrawal.
If you are not sure whether MAT is right for you or a loved one, Beach House's admissions team can help you understand your treatment options and determine the next step.
Get Help for Opioid Addiction
Choosing treatment for opioid use disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when you are comparing medications such as Subutex and Suboxone. You do not have to make that decision on your own.
Beach House Center for Recovery provides opioid addiction treatment in a supportive, campus-based setting. Treatment may include medical care, therapy, MAT and continuing support.
Whether you are looking for help for yourself or someone you love, starting with a conversation can help you understand your options. Contact Beach House Center for Recovery to speak with an admissions professional about treatment options, insurance coverage and the next step toward recovery.
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