Subutex is a buprenorphine-containing sublingual pill for treating withdrawal from opioid use. Learn how Subutex is used to help people struggling with opioid addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subutex is an opioid replacement option for people who wish to avail themselves of medically-assisted detox<\/a> and recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). However, it is important that people understand that the Subutex pill does not constitute treatment for addiction. Rather, Subutex relieves withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings, allowing individuals to focus on treatment for their addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no pill that will cure addiction. The underlying causes and the adverse physical, mental, social and psychological effects of drug use and related behaviors must be identified and addressed. That is the function of addiction treatment programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex can be a part of an overall addiction treatment plan, but, like any other medication, it does not treat the addiction itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex is a brand-name formulation of the semi-synthetic opioid buprenorphine, which is used for the treatment of OUD. Subutex comes as a sublingual tablet, which is dissolved under the tongue. Subutex is a \u201chigh-affinity\u201d long-acting partial agonist<\/a> of opioid receptors, meaning that it attaches aggressively to the opioid receptors in the brain and blocks other opioids from attaching to their receptors. As such, it prevents the effects of opioid use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though it binds strongly to opioid receptors, it has very low activity, so Subutex has a low overdose risk and does not produce much euphoria. It does, however, relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people detoxing from opioid use. Subutex treatment is initiated soon after withdrawal symptoms begin in people detoxing from opioid use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference between Subutex and Suboxone is that, unlike Suboxone, Subutex does not contain the opioid antagonist (blocker)<\/a>\u00a0naloxone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buprenorphine<\/a> comes in many different<\/a> brand-name formulations, either alone or in combination with naloxone. These have a variety of routes of administration. These brand names include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Opioids<\/a> are psychoactive, meaning that they markedly change the brain\u2019s chemistry, disrupting proper healthy function. To compensate for the constant bombardment of opioids, the brain makes major changes to its usual chemical composition and functions. The sudden removal of the opioids again results in disruption to the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex works by \u201cfooling\u201d the brain into thinking that its owner is still using opioids so that the sudden shock of opioid withdrawal<\/a> doesn\u2019t cause a sudden disruption in the brain\u2019s function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex has such a strong attachment to opioid receptors in the brain that it removes other opioids and prevents the attachment of any other opioids that are used. As such, it blocks the effects when people try using opioids while on Subutex therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex induction (initiation of therapy) is at the time of appearance of withdrawal symptoms, or at least 6 to 12 hours<\/a> after the last opioid use, for short-acting opioids (such as heroin<\/a>). Because of Subutex\u2019s high affinity for opioid receptors, it will displace other opioids and may precipitate premature withdrawal symptoms if started too early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex induction is usually done in an inpatient<\/a> detox center, but may be done in a physician\u2019s office or even, in select cases, at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex is started at a low dose and if withdrawal symptoms are not adequately suppressed the dose is titrated upward to get the desired effect. Once a proper dose has been established and treated individuals are satisfied with the buprenorphine stability, there is no set recommended time limit for the continuation of therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex maintenance programs are individualized because the duration of treatment and decision to taper off the drug depend on having adequate supports in place to ensure ongoing recovery following discontinuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discontinuation of Subutex may result in mild withdrawal symptoms beginning three to five days<\/a> after the last dose, which may continue for several weeks. Following discontinuation, people can switch to naloxone treatment within a few days, thus reducing the risk of relapse. People who relapse may be restarted on Subutex if deemed appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the side effects of Subutex? Side effects of Subutex are similar to the side effects of other opioids but are usually somewhat less pronounced because the drug is only a partial opioid agonist. Side effects can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex is a common choice for treating opioid addiction<\/a> in pregnant women because naloxone-containing products can\u2019t be used due to pregnancy side effects. Subutex appears to have fewer fetus-related effects<\/a> than methadone does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex effects on the fetus include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, studies have shown<\/a> overall positive long-term effects of Subutex on babies (compared to untreated opioid addiction):<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the long-term effects of Subutex? There are no particular Subutex side effects related to long-term use, beyond the usual side effects of the drug. However, Subutex is not intended for long-term use. People taking the drug should receive treatment for their addiction and have plans for tapering off the drug as soon as they are ready. Remaining on the drug as a crutch instead of focusing on addressing the addiction can lead to inappropriately prolonged use of the drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People can become addicted to Subutex and develop tolerance. If this happens they may develop withdrawal symptoms if they stop abruptly. However, Subutex addiction is considered an acceptable aspect of the drug, because it replaces the much more harmful and malignant addiction to opioids that it treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Subutex is only a partial opioid agonist, it can result in a weak high in individuals who are regular opioid users. As such, there are reports<\/a> of abuse. This risk is why many buprenorphine products also contain the opioid blocker naloxone. Often, attempts at abuse are based on the mistaken belief that getting high on Subutex is as possible as with other drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subutex and other buprenorphine products produce a greater high in people who are not opioid dependent and produce the positive reinforcement-reward effect seen in other opioids. However, Subutex has abuse potential<\/a> in people who are not regular opioid users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Data shows that buprenorphine is superior to methadone<\/a> for tolerability (i.e., people are more likely to remain on buprenorphine than they are with methadone due to its side effects). Buprenorphine has been shown to be far superior to a placebo, with one well-designed study<\/a> showing a one-year retention rate of 75% and 75% negative urine drug tests in patients taking buprenorphine, compared to 0% on both measures in people taking a placebo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other studies<\/a> showed that buprenorphine is associated with reduced mortality, reduced relapse rates, reduced HIV and Hepatitis C transmission rates, improved outcomes in pregnancy, improved retention within recovery programs and improved quality of life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Subutex is a buprenorphine-containing sublingual pill for treating withdrawal from opioid use. Learn how Subutex is used to help people struggling with opioid addiction. Subutex is an opioid replacement option for people who wish to avail themselves of medically-assisted detox and recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). However, it is important that people understand that the Subutex […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11108,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[51],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10841","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mat"],"acf":{"written_by":317,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":255,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"Last Updated<\/i> - 12\/28\/2022<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20221228","page_last_edit_date":"20221228","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling (561) 340-7269<\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"Key Takeaways<\/strong>\r\nWhat is Subutex?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subutex vs. Suboxone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Other Buprenorphine Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Does Subutex Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Induction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stabilization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Subutex Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Effects on Babies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Effects of Prolonged Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is Subutex Addictive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does Subutex Get You High?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Effectiveness of Subutex Treatment for Opioid Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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