What are Subutex & Suboxone?

Subutex and Suboxone are medications approved for the treatment of opiate dependence. Both medicines contain the active ingredient, buprenorphine hydrochloride. This drug which works to reduce the symptoms of opiate dependence. Why are there two medications? Subutex contains only buprenorphine hydrochloride. This formulation was developed as the initial product. The second medication, Suboxone contains an additional ingredient called naloxone to guard against misuse. Subutex is given during the first few days of treatment, while Suboxone is used during the maintenance phase of treatment. What are the effects of these medications? The most common reported side effect of buprenorphine include: cold or flu-like symptoms headaches sweating sleeping difficulties nausea mood swings. Like other opioids Subutex and Suboxone have been associated with respiratory depression (difficulty breathing) especially when combined with other depressants. What are some Treatment Alternatives to Subutex & Suboxone? If you are considering attempting Buprenorphine "Maintenance" or you have tried this therapy and are still abusing prescription opiates like Vicodin, Lortab, Oxy-Contin, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Demerol, Darvon, or Heroin, contact an American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Doctor.