Buprenorphine: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: What are the differences between buprenorphine and methadone?

(Posted by: aryana la on 2007-08-12 23:40:18)

I have read some things that say that buprenorphine is now the medication of choice among many individuals suffering from opioid addiction. I was just wondering about the advantages of using buprenorphine as compared to methadone.

Posted by: breana tb on 2007-08-12, 23:41:18

Though buprenorphine and methadone are both utilized for long-terma and short term opioid maintencance therapy, each one has its advantages as well as disadvantages. Buprenorphine has a longer duration of action which can allow dosing to be done every two days, as opposed to methadone wherein daily dosing is required. Buprenorphine may also have a lower dependence-liability compared to methadone. Also, buprenorphine treatment may last from several months to a few years. Methadone treatment, however, is often indefinite and becomes a life-long regimen. Buprenorphine also has less severe effects of withdrawal when compared to methadone, which makes it easier for the patient to discontinue use. I hope that satisfied your curiosity! :)