Finding a safe, effective way to treat narcotics addiction is, as it has been for decades, a continuing struggle.
For a long time, methadone, a narcotic itself, was the drug to treat heroin addiction. With the onslaught of prescription drug addiction, it transitioned into an effective treatment for those patients as well.
Get help with Methadone or Suboxone: (866) 731-4728
However, it was reported in 2012 that one out of every three deaths related to prescription drugs was due to an overdose of methadone.
Suboxone came along in 2002 and was rallied as a better alternative to Methadone, claiming that it did not carry the same abuse potential as Methadone.
So in the battle of Suboxone vs. Methadone, which one is the winner? We will take a look at the benefits and side effects of each one, with an objective conclusion thereafter.
Methadone
Methadone may be considered an archaic drug by some, but it is still widely used in many parts of the world for treating narcotics addiction. As such, it deserves to be examined in a fair light. So let us examine its benefits and side effects.
Benefits of Methadone Treatment
- Unbeaten painkiller – the pain that accompanies with withdrawal can be severe, so it remains virtually unchallenged in killing the pain.
- Helps reduce addiction to heroin and other narcotics – a study released in 2012 proved methadone to be an effective treatment.
- Receptor inhibitor – methadone goes right to the receptor sites where the brain is registering opioids and blocks the brain from telling the body that it needs the addictive drug methadone is fighting against.
Methadone Side Effects
- Abuse potential – particularly with long-term use, methadone can be just as addictive in some people, defeating the purpose for which it was created.
- Decreased attention span – again with long-term use, the drug can disrupt cognitive function, causing the patient to seem as though they are not in tune with anything.
- Respiratory dysfunction – breathing can be chronically challenging.
Suboxone
When it was released, Suboxone seemed to many to be a miracle drug. To be fair, doctors have had some success in treating their patients with it. However, like other drugs, it too has many side effects, some of which cannot be passed off as minor.
Benefits of Suboxone Treatment
- Less frequent ER visits – studies equate suboxone with addiction recovery, reducing the need for trips to the ER.
- Relieves withdrawal symptoms
- Blocks opioid
Suboxone Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Potentially lethal if used with alcohol
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Insomnia
Though these side effects are physical, Suboxone is not without psychological side effects. Other studies have reported mental health imbalances as well as other side effects that include paranoia, depression and suicidal tendencies.
Addictions can be as unique as the individuals themselves, so while there are common side effects, each individual will experience side effects not even listed among the common ones.
So in determining a winner to our Suboxone vs. Methadone battle, which one is the winner? There can be strong arguments in favor of each one. However, the best recommendation we can give to addicts here is to consult your doctor to weigh the pros and cons of each. Then you may find your winner.
Get help with Methadone or Suboxone: (866) 731-4728