Which medication is right for you? Suboxone, Naltrexone, or Varenicline?
We believe in empowering you with knowledge about your treatment options. Learn more about how Suboxone, Naltrexone, and Varenicline work, their potential benefits and side effects, and how they can support your recovery journey.
| Feature | Suboxone | Naltrexone | Varenicline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Opioid Addiction | Alcohol & Opioid Addiction | Nicotine Addiction (Smoking Cessation) |
| How it Works | Partial opioid agonist (buprenorphine) + opioid antagonist (naloxone) | Opioid antagonist | Partial nicotine agonist |
| Effects | Reduces cravings, manages withdrawal, blocks opioid effects | Reduces cravings, blocks opioid effects, reduces alcohol consumption | Reduces cravings, manages withdrawal, blocks nicotine effects |
| Benefits | Reduces overdose risk and supports recovery. | Prevents relapse and supports ongoing recovery. | Boosts quit rates and complements other therapies. |
| Forms | Sublingual film or tablet | Oral tablet, extended-release injection | Oral tablet |
| Important Considerations | Potential for dependence and misuse; requires monitoring. | Requires opioid-free status; potential for liver damage. | May cause nausea and increase suicide risk. |
How Suboxone helps you break free from opioid addiction.
How Suboxone Works
Partial Opioid Agonist
Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. However, it produces a milder effect, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same "high" or euphoria.
Naloxone as an Antagonist
Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. However, it produces a milder effect, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same "high" or euphoria.
Reduces Cravings
By occupying opioid receptors in the brain, Suboxone helps reduce cravings for other opioids, making it easier to abstain from using them.
Manages Withdrawal Symptoms
Suboxone helps alleviate the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence, making the detox process more manageable.
Supports Long-Term Recovery
Suboxone can be used for long-term maintenance therapy, providing ongoing support to prevent relapse and promote sustained recovery.
Benefits of Suboxone
Reduces cravings for opioids
Manages withdrawal symptoms
Decreases the risk of overdose
Improves treatment retention
Supports Long-Term Recovery
Increases the likelihood of employment and social stability
Reduces criminal activity associated with addiction
How Naltrexone Works
Opioid Receptor Antagonist
Naltrexone acts as an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks them. This prevents other opioids, like heroin or prescription painkillers, from attaching to those receptors and producing their effects.
Reduces Cravings
By blocking opioid receptors, naltrexone can help reduce cravings for both opioids and alcohol. This makes it easier to abstain from using these substances.
Blocks Pleasurable Effects
If someone taking naltrexone relapses and uses opioids, the medication will block the euphoric effects, making the relapse less rewarding and reducing the likelihood of continued use.
Reduces Alcohol Consumption
For those with alcohol use disorder, naltrexone can help reduce heavy drinking days and promote abstinence. It may work by decreasing the pleasurable effects of alcohol and interfering with the brain's reward system.
Available in Different Forms
Naltrexone is available as a daily pill (Revia) or a monthly injection (Vivitrol), providing flexibility in treatment options.
Benefits of Naltrexone
Reduces cravings for opioids and alcohol
Helps prevent relapse
Decreases heavy drinking days
Supports long-term recovery
Can be used in combination with other therapies
Available in different forms to suit individual needs
How Naltrexone helps you regain control.
How Varenicline helps you break free from nicotine addiction.
How Varenicline Works
Partial Nicotine Agonist
Varenicline acts as a partial agonist at nicotine receptors in the brain. This means it binds to these receptors and activates them, but to a lesser degree than nicotine itself. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Blocks Nicotine's Effects
Varenicline also blocks nicotine from binding to the receptors. So, if someone taking varenicline smokes, they are less likely to experience the pleasurable effects of nicotine, making smoking less rewarding.
Reduces Cravings
By partially activating and blocking nicotine receptors, varenicline helps reduce cravings for nicotine, making it easier to quit smoking.
Manages Withdrawal Symptoms
Varenicline can help alleviate the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking, such as irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
Gradual Dosage Increase
Treatment with varenicline typically involves a gradual increase in dosage over the first week, allowing the body to adjust to the medication and minimize side effects.
Benefits of Varenicline
Reduces cravings for nicotine
Manages withdrawal symptoms
Decreases the rewarding effects of smoking
Increases the chances of quitting successfully
Can be used in combination with other smoking cessation therapies, such as counseling and support groups