What is Suboxone?

Suboxone has been approved for use with heroin, methadone and other opiate detox. The active ingredient buprenorphine hydrochloride reduces the symptoms of heroin detox. Suboxone is a combination of two proven medications, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, reduces withdrawal symptoms and blocks the effects of subsequently administered opiates, suggesting it might help reduce illicit opiate use. Due to the presence of naloxone, Suboxone is very likely to produce severe withdrawal symptoms if misused intravenously. When used as prescribed, no such effect is likely.

According to the FDA

According to the FDA's website on Subutex and Subuxone (both containing buprenorphine hydrochloride for the treatment of opiate dependence):

"Subutex and Suboxone are less tightly controlled than methadone because they have a lower potential for abuse and are less dangerous in an overdose. As patients progress on therapy, their doctor may write a prescription for a take-home supply of the medication." http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/subutex_suboxone/subutex-qa.htm

This shows us a definite benefit of buprenorphine as an alternative to methadone maintenance treatment.

HBO shows the flaws of methadone maintenance treatment

HBO's 2005 Documentary "Methadonia" sheds some light on the troubles of some methadone maintenance patients in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It follows 8 addicts over 18 months in various stages of getting clean. Despite the legality of methadone treatment there are significant drawbacks especially when the drug is combined with other drugs. In particular the documentary highlights the massive problem of combining methadone with benzodiazepines which is a dangerous mix. this documentary shows that methadone maintenance treatment may not be the best choice for recovery.

Can I switch from Methadone to Buprenorphine?

The simple answer is yes. Because methadone and buprenorphine are two very different drugs, results can vary between patients when switching from methadone treatment. It is important that you contact a professional or give us a call before you make the switch.

Covenience

Buprenorphine has many advantages over methadone and one is convenience. Realtively soon after initial treatment, patients can receive a take home supply of the drug. In contrast it can be many months and years before an addict on methadone maintenace treatment will be allowed to take home methadone. Most states have a time period in which the patient must prove sobriety before they can take home a month's supply of methadone. This is especially the case in Florida where regulations are particularly strict. This means that an addict on methadone maintenance treatment must go to the tretment center daily until they have passed the time threshold imposed by the state .

How Safe is Buprenorphine?

According to to Department of Health and Human Services' SAMHSA, since buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist it is safer in overdose than opioid full agonists. SAMHSA also lists other safety issues regarding buprenorphine:

1. Repiratory depression from bupreorphine is less likely to occur than in opioid full agonists

2. There is no evidence of damage to organs from long term use of buprenorphine

3. there is no evidence of cognitive impairment from the use of buprenorphine maintenance treatment

4. Studies have not shown adverse effects in opioid addicted pregnant women

Buprenorphine as the alternative

According to a recent study*, when Buprenorphine was approved in 2004, it was touted as an effective alternative to methadone maintenance treatment for opiate addiction and dependence. However, since methadone is abused at a high level (30-35% of treatment seekers), it was presumed that buprenorphine would be abused in similar fashion. Although similar levels of abuse occurred during the 2nd quarter of 2006, this number dropped to less than 20% in the second quarter of 2007. It is assumed that since buprenorphine doesn't have the euphoric properties of opiates and methadone it was not as likely to be abused.

This study shows that buprenorphine, as administered by a qualified and licensed facility, like Sunrise Detox, can be an effective way to get off and stay off of opiates.

*Cicero TJ, Surratt HL, Inciardi J.: Use and misuse of buprenorphine in the management of opioid addiction. J Opioid Manag. 2007 Nov-Dec;3(6):302-8. (View)