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Subutex vs. Vivitrol

Are Subutex and Vivitrol the Same Thing?

Subutex (buprenorphine) and Vivitrol (naltrexone) are used to treat narcotic addiction.

Vivitrol is also used to treat alcohol dependence.

The brand name Subutex is discontinued, but generic versions may be available.

Subutex and Vivitrol belong to different drug classes. Subutex is an opioid (narcotic) and Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist.

Side effects of Subutex and Vivitrol that are similar include headache, nausea, weakness, anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), nervousness, and drowsiness/tiredness.

Side effects of Subutex that are different from Vivitrol include stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, warmth or tingly feeling, chills, increased sweating, back pain, depression, runny nose, infection, diarrhea, indigestion, cough, and watery eyes.

Side effects of Vivitrol that are different from Subutex include dizziness, restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle or joint aches, decreased sex drive, impotence, and difficulty having an orgasm.

Both Subutex and Vivitrol may interact with alcohol and narcotics.

Subutex may also interact with other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing (sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers), conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, nefazodone, antibiotics, antifungals, heart or blood pressure medications, HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C medicines, seizure medications, cold or allergy medicines, bronchodilator asthma/COPD medications, diuretics ("water pills"), medicines for motion sickness, irritable bowel syndrome medications, overactive bladder medicines, stimulants, medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, migraine headache medicines, medications to treat serious infections, and medicines for nausea and vomiting.

Do not stop using Subutex suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as shivering, goose bumps, increased sweating, feeling hot or cold, runny nose, watery eyes, diarrhea, or muscle pain.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Subutex?

Common side effects of Subutex include:

  • headache,
  • stomach pain,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • constipation,
  • warmth or tingly feeling,
  • chills,
  • increased sweating,
  • weakness,
  • back pain,
  • anxiety,
  • depression,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • runny nose,
  • infection,
  • diarrhea,
  • indigestion,
  • nervousness,
  • drowsiness,
  • cough,
  • watery eyes.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Vivitrol?

Common side effects of Vivitrol include:

  • nausea,
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • anxiety,
  • nervousness,
  • restlessness,
  • irritability,
  • tiredness,
  • loss of appetite,
  • increased thirst,
  • muscle or joint aches,
  • weakness,
  • sleep problems (insomnia),
  • decreased sex drive,
  • impotence, or
  • difficulty having an orgasm.

What Is Subutex?

Subutex (buprenorphine) is an opioid (narcotic) medication used to treat narcotic addiction. The brand name Subutex is discontinued, but generic versions may be available.Subutex may interact with other narcotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing, conivaptan, imatinib, isoniazid, nefazodone, antibiotics, antifungals, heart or blood pressure medications, or HIV/AIDS medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

What Is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol (naltrexone) for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension is an opioid antagonist used to treat alcohol dependence and prevent relapse to opioid dependence.

 

What Drugs Interact With Subutex?

Subutex may interact with isoniazid, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, warfarin, metronidazole, theophylline, phenytoin, or lithium. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Subutex should be used only when prescribed.

What Drugs Interact With Vivitrol?

Vivitrol may interact with narcotic pain medications including buprenorphine, butorphanol, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, levorphanol, meperidine, methadone, morphine, nalbuphine, naloxone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, or propoxyphene. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you take. Do not use narcotic drugs or alcohol while taking Vivitrol. Exercise caution if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert while taking Vivitrol.

 

How Should Subutex Be Taken?

Subutex sublingual tablet is administered sublingually as a single daily dose.

How Should Vivitrol Be Taken?

The recommended dosage of Vivitrol is 380 mg taken once a month. Vivitrol must be administered under a doctor's supervision.