Suboxone is a combination of which two substances?

Suboxone consists of buprenorphine and naloxone, which is significant in the treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid addiction. Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that is included to prevent misuse. When Suboxone is taken as prescribed, naloxone has little effect; however, if someone attempts to misuse the medication by injecting it, naloxone will block the euphoric effects of buprenorphine, thus deterring abuse.

This two-component formulation allows for effective management of opioid dependence while also reducing the potential for drug misuse. Understanding this combination is crucial in the field of addiction treatment, as it highlights the importance of both alleviating withdrawal symptoms and maintaining safety against potential misuse.