Jul 23
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.
Tags: between, Buprenorphine, Differences, Methadone
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!