Methadone vs Buprenorphine: The Pros and Cons (Essay Sample)

Methadone Vs Buprenorphine; The Pros and Cons
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Methadone Vs Buprenorphine; The Pros and Cons
The Pros and Con
Methadone and buprenorphine both belong to the group of opioid analgesics. Opioids are synthetic derivatives of chemical constituents obtained from natural opium. While methadone is obtained after full synthesis, buprenorphine is semi-synthetically produced. These drugs bind at the three major subclasses of opioid receptors on nerve cells-Mu1, Mu2 and Delta. Receptor binding at Mu1 and Delta accounts for the analgesic effect while interaction at Mu2 level activates nausea and vomiting. Both buprenorphine and methadone activate Mu and Delta receptors in varying degrees through adenyl cyclase transduction and thus stimulate excitement and analgesia after endogens such as endorphins and enkephalins have been released (Ghosh, et al, 2019).
It is common knowledge that the body forms a dependence on opioids when they are not properly given or used. This often causes events of uncomfortable symptoms such as emesis, agitation and bowel trouble. Methadone and buprenorphine are thus used clinically to manage these symptoms from worsening so that dependents can be continually treated. They both however have been associated with moderate unwanted effects such as drowsiness, constipation and lightheadedness when used to control dependence (Lintzeris, et al 2018).
A vital point to consider in comparing these two molecules is in how they could be administered continually to sustain mental stability. Users with