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Is Suboxone an Opiate?

Suboxone is a combination drug. It contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid anonist, and natoxone, an opioid antagonist. Suboxone is one of two drugs approved for office-based addiction treatment under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000.

  1. Buprenorphine

    • Buprenorphine is a partial opioid anonist; meaning, though it has opium-like qualities, it has limited opioid effects. It will still give pain relief, relaxation, and cause sleepiness. It can be addictive but is less likely to than a full opioid treatment like methadone.

    Natoxone

    • Natoxone is an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists block opioid receptors and cause withdrawal. It is added to the buprenorphine to keep the medication from being abused. When taken properly it has no real action, but if the Suboxone is crushed and ingested, the natoxone will cause immediate withdrawal.

    Actions

    • Suboxone reduces use of illicit opioid drugs such as heroin, morphine, or oxycodone. It keeps patients in treatment, curbs withdrawal symptoms, and decreases cravings. There are no effects on cognitive abilities or psychomotor skills.

    Abuse

    • Suboxone is less likely to be abused because it contains natoxone. The effects of the drug top out around 16 to 32 mg. If a patient tries to take more there is no increased effect.

    Side Effects

    • All withdrawal symptoms are possible side effects. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, achy muscles and sweating. Respiratory depression is not likely, and no organ damage has been found as a result of using Suboxone.

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