Comparing Suboxone to Methadone

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Advanced Spine & Rehab compares the effectiveness of Suboxone vs. other medications such as Methadone

When treating opioid addiction, there are several different types of medication that can be used as part of the treatment process. One of the best-known methods is using methadone.

What is Methadone?

A slow-acting opioid agonist, methadone is an oral medication that reaches the brain slowly. Once there, the medication dampens the “high” associated with opioids while also preventing withdrawal symptoms. While Methadone has been used since the 1960s for the treatment of heroin addiction, it is does have its drawbacks. For example, it can cause a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. Misuse of the medication can also cause addiction, overdose or even death. Nonetheless, it can be a suitable option for some people, particularly those who have not responded to other medications.

Are There Alternatives to Methadone?

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Since methadone has been around for so long, many assume it is the only medical treatment option available for the treatment of opioid addiction. In reality, there are other options available. Among these is suboxone. Suboxone is a partial opiod agonist that is taken either orally or sublingually. It contains naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist. As such, it helps to prevent attempts to get high through abuse of the medication. It also relives drug cravings without risk of the dangerous side effects associated with other opioids.

Buprenorphine, which is the ingredient in Suboxone, was approved for use by the FDA in 2002. This made it the first medication to be eligible to be prescribed by a certified physician through the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. Two generic forms of Suboxone were approved by the FDA in 2013, thereby making it a more affordable treatment option. To learn more about suboxone treatment, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!

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