Key takeaways
Methadone (Methadose, Methadone HCl Intensol) and buprenorphine (Butrans) are both opioids used for pain relief, but they have some key differences. Methadone is a full opioid agonist, while buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it may have a lower risk of misuse and dependence. Methadone is available as tablets and liquids taken by mouth and an injection, whereas buprenorphine comes as a patch that you apply to your skin once a week. Methadone is used for long-term pain and opioid use disorder, often requiring supervision at a clinic, while buprenorphine is used for chronic pain and can be applied at home. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating a higher potential for abuse, while buprenorphine is Schedule III, suggesting a lower risk. Both medications can cause serious side effects like slow breathing and heart problems, but buprenorphine's patch form requires you to avoid heat sources to prevent overdose.
