Belbuca vs Suboxone – Differences, Uses, and Benefits Risks
Belbuca and Suboxone are two drugs that often get mistaken as being one and the same, but actually serve two different medical purposes. While both Belbuca and Suboxone contain the ingredient buprenorphine, they are very different drugs.
Suboxone is used to treat and manage opioid addiction, while Belbuca is typically prescribed for chronic pain management and is not used in addiction treatment. However, both medications are similar in that they affect the body’s opioid receptors.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction (also known as opioid use disorder), Suboxone may be a good fit for treating this condition. Reach out to an accredited addiction treatment program to get help if needed.
Now, let’s take a look into comparing Suboxone vs. Belbuca.
Belbuca is an opioid partial agonist that is used as a long-term pain relief medication for severe and chronic pain [1]. This medication is designed to provide slow, consistent pain relief rather than immediate management of short-term pain issues. It is designed as an extended-release formula that is most effective over time rather than all at once.
This drug comes in a film form, which is applied twice daily to the inside of the cheek or as directed by a prescribing doctor. Because Belbuca contains opioids, it is considered a controlled substance. For those with a history of substance use disorder or dependence, this medication may not be safe to use. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about becoming addicted to this pain relief medication so that other alternatives can be explored.
Suboxone (also known as buprenorphine) is a medication that is used in addiction recovery to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, this drug is an effective way to help individuals struggling with opioid addiction combat cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increase safety in cases of overdose, and lower the potential for opioid misuse [3].
While Suboxone is not as strong as other full opioid agonists such as methadone (another medication used in addiction treatment), it is an effective tool to use to help mitigate addiction and physical dependence. Suboxone is typically given to patients who are in the early stages of opioid withdrawal, approximately 12 to 24 hours out from their last opioid dose.
Now let’s take a look at comparisons for Belbuca vs. Suboxone.
Belbuca and Suboxone do not treat the same medical issues, so their effectiveness cannot necessarily be compared. Belbuca vs Suboxone dosing is also much different.
However, the ingredient buprenorphine is present in both Suboxone and Belbuca [5]. For this reason, the better drug will depend on whether a patient requires treatment for chronic, persistent pain or an opioid use disorder. In the case of chronic pain, Belbuca is the better option. For OUD, doctors will prescribe Suboxone.
Each of these medications is designed for different medical needs, so the “better” option depends entirely on the treatment required. These medications are also not generally prescribed at the same time because they both contain buprenorphine, which can lead to elevated side effects. When choosing the right medication to treat multiple issues, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider in order to determine the best option for you.
Suboxone side effects range in intensity from mild to severe, and should be used only under the oversight of a prescribing physician. If you are currently taking Suboxone and are experiencing symptoms that are severe or otherwise concerning, call 911 immediately to get help. For more moderate symptoms, it’s best to seek out the guidance of your prescribing doctor to figure out the best way to deal with them.
Side effects of Suboxone include [6]:
Mild Side Effects:
Moderate Side Effects:
Severe Side Effects:
While more severe side effects should be addressed immediately, mild to moderate symptoms may not necessarily warrant discontinuing the medication. For most people who are taking Suboxone, the benefits of addiction treatment vastly outweigh the side effects.
For many, taking Belbuca will not cause any serious side effects [1]. However, there are some effects that a select few individuals taking this medication may experience. If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life or cause concern, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best course of action.
Side effects of Belbuca include:
Mild Side Effects:
Moderate Side Effects:
Severe Side Effects:
While serious side effects from Belbuca require immediate attention, mild to moderate symptoms are the norm. However, always consult your healthcare provider to address concerns and ensure the treatment is appropriate for your needs.
No, Belbuca is not the same thing as Suboxone. While they both contain a partial opioid agonist called buprenorphine, they are chemically unique, and Belbuca vs. Suboxone serve different medical purposes.
For those with opioid use disorder, Suboxone is used to help mitigate opioid withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and reduce overdose symptoms. Belbuca is suitable for use in the treatment of long-term, chronic pain management and would be detrimental to prescribe to someone with an addiction disorder as opioid ingredients can trigger a dependence or addiction.
Suboxone is a medication that can be incredibly beneficial in an opioid addiction treatment protocol. Not only can it help dampen cravings for opioids, it also eases withdrawal symptoms and can help reduce risks associated with overdose if the patient relapses. With long-term use and a good addiction treatment program, Suboxone provides an effective way to help individuals manage opioid use disorder (OUD).
Other medications like methadone and naltrexone can also be used to block the pleasurable effects of opioids and prevent relapse. In contrast, gabapentin and clonidine can be used to help treat withdrawal symptoms in the first stages of opioid addiction recovery.
However, these medications must be used in tandem with behavioral therapies and other traditional addiction treatments to be most effective. Often, addiction’s root cause is based on psychological issues and must be addressed alongside physical cravings.
If you’re wondering, “Does Belbuca help with withdrawals?” The answer is no. However, Suboxone, along with a good treatment program, is effective for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms.
So, can Belbuca vs. Suboxone be used at the same time?
While Belbuca vs. Suboxone both contain a substance called buprenorphine, they serve drastically different purposes–Suboxone treats opioid addiction, and Belbuca treats chronic pain.
Even in cases where patients are suffering from both opioid addiction and chronic pain, these medications are not safe to use together. This is due to the amount of buprenorphine in each of these drugs, which would exceed the safe dosage limit when taken together.
Alternative pain medications besides Belbuca would be required if someone is taking Suboxone. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about managing both opioid use disorder and chronic pain effectively to learn what the best treatment protocol would be for you.
For individuals who are struggling with chronic pain while taking Suboxone to manage opioid use disorder (OUD), alternative pain management options are available, though not as effective. As the best pain management options in severe cases are opioid-based, like Belbuca, doctors often struggle to achieve a satisfactory outcome for these patients [7].
However, non-addictive, Belbuca alternative pain medication such as ibuprofen can be administered safely. Gabapentin can also be prescribed in cases where the pain is coming from nerve issues. In extreme cases, Clonidine or IV lidocaine can be used, but both still pose a risk of dependence even though they aren’t opioids. Small doses of opioids with high levels of oversight from clinicians may also be used, but this protocol is not ideal because of relapse risks.
Now that you have an understanding of the comparisons between Belbuca vs. Suboxone, you may be wondering what the best treatment option is for opioid addiction. The good news is, effective treatment is available and typically covered by insurance.
If you or a loved one is battling opioid addiction, it’s crucial to seek the right support to achieve lasting sobriety. At California Detox, we offer luxury, insurance-covered treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
Our dedicated 24/7 staff provides personalized, evidence-based care at our Orange County, CA facility. Patients can enjoy a peaceful recovery environment with private rooms and breathtaking ocean views, all while receiving top-tier treatment focused on their success.
Our world-class detox and inpatient rehab programs include:
Call our friendly recovery team today at (888) 995-4208 to begin your journey to recovery from opioid addiction.
[1] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616019.html
[2] https://www.drugs.com/belbuca.html
[3] https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
[4] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/suboxone-pain-3555729/
[5] https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
[6] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-64741-8352/suboxone-sublingual/buprenorphine-naloxone-sublingual/details
[7] https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/120/5/1262/13748/Buprenorphine-Naloxone-Therapy-in-Pain-Management
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