Key takeaways
Buprenorphine (Subutex) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are both used to treat opioid use disorder, but they work in different ways and have different forms. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, but it can still cause dependence and misuse. It is taken as a sublingual tablet that dissolves under your tongue. On the other hand, Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, preventing the feel-good effects of opioids and alcohol. It is given as a monthly injection by a healthcare professional and does not have a risk of dependence or misuse. Buprenorphine is available as a lower-cost generic, while Vivitrol is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of buprenorphine include headache and nausea, whereas Vivitrol can cause injection site reactions and nausea. Buprenorphine is a controlled substance, but Vivitrol is not.
