what is the difference between Suboxone and Subutex? Both are brand-name prescription drugs used to treat opioid dependence. Both can prevent withdrawal symptoms to increase the chances of successful addiction treatment. Both Suboxone and Subutex also have the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. The key difference between Suboxone and Subutex is that Suboxone has naloxone. Naloxone helps prevent abuse of Suboxone by blocking opioid effects if someone tries to inject or snort it to get high. During some treatment programs patients may first be prescribed Subutex and then move onto Suboxone.
Medications like Suboxone and Subutex can be helpful during the recovery process, and research shows they do improve the chances for success. That said, they aren’t entirely risk-free. These medications are designed to be used under the instructions and supervision of a physician experienced in addiction medicine and recovery.