Buprenorphine and naloxone are often combined in medications prescribed for opioid use disorder (OUD). This combination is found in products like Suboxone, Zubsolv, and Bunavail. The addition of naloxone serves a specific purpose: to prevent the misuse of buprenorphine.
How Buprenorphine and Naloxone Work
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin and morphine but only partially activates them. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high, making it useful in treating OUD.
Naloxone, on the other hand, is a full opioid antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors without activating them, effectively blocking the effects of opioids. When taken as prescribed, the naloxone in Suboxone is minimally absorbed due to its poor bioavailability when taken sublingually or orally.
The Purpose of Naloxone
The primary reason for adding naloxone to buprenorphine is to prevent misuse. If someone tries to dissolve and inject the medication to get high, the naloxone becomes active, blocking the opioid effects and potentially causing withdrawal symptoms. This discourages misuse and enhances the safety profile of the medication.
Limited Use of Buprenorphine Alone
The single-drug form of buprenorphine (Subutex) is rarely prescribed because it lacks the abuse-deterrent properties of the combination product. Subutex is generally reserved for specific cases, such as for patients who are allergic to naloxone. Some states heavily restrict or even ban the use of Subutex due to its higher potential for misuse.
Conclusion
The addition of naloxone to buprenorphine in medications like Suboxone plays a crucial role in preventing misuse while effectively treating opioid use disorder. This combination therapy offers a safer alternative for patients, reducing the risk of misuse and supporting long-term recovery.If you are seeking treatment for opioid use disorder, QuickMD offers telemedicine services to prescribe medications like Suboxone, helping you on your path to recovery.
