What is Suboxone, the combination form of buprenorphine with naloxone, and why is it used instead of Subutex, which contains only buprenorphine?
Suboxone is a sublingual tablet that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone is an opioid antagonist – a drug that reverses the effects of opioid agonists like heroin and methadone. Naloxone is the drug used to revive people who have overdosed on heroin and other opioids. If someone who is dependent on opioids (has a “habit”) is given naloxone, the drug will cause them to go into immediate withdrawal (“dopesickness”). Unlike buprenorphine, naloxone is not well absorbed sublingually; nor is it well absorbed orally. When Suboxone is taken as it is intended and held under the tongue until dissolved, the buprenorphine should be absorbed into the bloodstream but not the naloxone. Therefore, when it is used as intended, Suboxone should have the same effects as Subutex. However, if someone attempts to use Suboxone by injection, the naloxone will enter the bloodstream and prevent the user from getting much, if any effect from the buprenorphine. The developers of Suboxone fe
