What are the differences between buprenorphine and methadone?

Question:

I have read some things that say that buprenorphine is now the medication of choice among many individuals suffering from opioid addiction. I was just wondering about the advantages of using buprenorphine as compared to methadone.

Answers:
Though buprenorphine and methadone are both utilized for long-terma and short term opioid maintencance therapy, each one has its advantages as well as disadvantages.

Buprenorphine has a longer duration of action which can allow dosing to be done every two days, as opposed to methadone wherein daily dosing is required. Buprenorphine may also have a lower dependence-liability compared to methadone. Also, buprenorphine treatment may last from several months to a few years. Methadone treatment, however, is often indefinite and becomes a life-long regimen. Buprenorphine also has less severe effects of withdrawal when compared to methadone, which makes it easier for the patient to discontinue use.

I hope that satisfied your curiosity! :)

What are the differences between buprenorphine and methadone?

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