Suboxone
Learn about buprenorphine treatment.
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Suboxone and Vivitrol
Compare Suboxone and Vivitrol as treatment options for opioid use disorder.
Suboxone
Suboxone combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone. It is generally taken as a film or tablet and is used to reduce withdrawal and cravings as part of an opioid-use-disorder treatment plan.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is a monthly injection of extended-release naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and requires an opioid-free period before treatment can begin.
How treatment choice is made
The medications differ in how they work, how they are started, how they are administered, and what risks must be managed. Treatment history, current opioid use, prior withdrawal, medical factors, access, and your preferences all help guide the decision.
Your clinician will help you weigh these factors and choose a medication based on your needs and treatment history.
Do not attempt an opioid-free interval or begin either medication based on website information. Starting treatment at the wrong time can cause severe withdrawal or increase other risks.