METHADONE

Methadone is a synthetic opiate substitute, and can be used to treat both opioid/opiate addiction, as well as certain types of pain. When taken as prescribed, Methadone can ensure a safe and comfortable taper from daily drug use, and can assist patients in staying off opiates indefinitely. Methadone can be very effective for drug dependent persons in the following ways:

  • Methadone prevents withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings, and decreases the effects of illicit opiates
  • Methadone is taken orally, not injected, which helps to break the ritualistic patterns of an IV drug user
  • Methadone is long acting; each dose lasts between 24-36 hours
  • Methadone takes effect slowly; because the drug has a slower and more gradual onset of effects, you will not experience a “rush” which helps to break the cycle of the highs-lows patterns of addiction, and the “reward” mentality of opiate use
  • Though Methadone can have side effects, they will lessen as your treatment progresses; taking Methadone as prescribed by a physician insures that none of these side effects put the patient at any substantial risk

Remember, Methadone is a tool; it is not treatment by itself and must be combined with other services in order to be effective.

SUBOXONE

Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone, and is increasingly used to treat opioid/opiate addiction. Buprenorphine belongs to a class of drugs called opioid partial agonists, which helps to relieve symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Unlike Methadone, which is a full agonist, Suboxone's "blocking" effect is said to make it the preferred choice for many patients. Suboxone can be very effective for drug dependent persons in the following ways:

  • Suboxone decreases withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings, and blocks the effects of illicit opiates
  • Suboxone is taken orally, not injected, which helps to break the ritualistic patterns of an IV drug user
  • Suboxone has a ceiling effect; increasing the dose makes no difference and will not allow patients to feel “a greater high”
  • The risk of a fatal overdose on Suboxone is less than with Methadone
  • There are fewer reported side effects with Suboxone than Methadone
  • Suboxone is not always 100% effective in curbing cravings for heavy opiate users

Remember, Suboxone is a tool; it is not treatment by itself and must be combined with other services in order to be effective.

Please discuss both options with your physician at The Nanaimo Pain Clinic to determine the best treatment option for you.