Does methadone "deactivate" buprenorphine?

[Somni Divine]

I'm not sure how much of an opiate antagonist or agonist methadone or buprenophine is - in fact these terms confuse me. What is the difference between an opiate agonist and an opiate antagonist? Are methadone and buprenorphine both agonists or antagonists?
Does one cancel out the other?
Which do most people like better? I've been on methadone for years, and have a doctor that wants to know if I'd like to switch to buprenorhine - I don't know. I miss that warm buzz I got for the first few months of methadone - does buprenorphine offer that opiate warmth and comfort, or is it something that cancels it out more like naltrexone?
Are there any opiates that work in conjunction with buprenorphine? There are some that work with methadone, but I can't remember the names of them - does anyone know of opiates that are still good painkillers (and cause at least a little euphoria ;) ) for people on methadone (high daily doses of it)?
What about if you have severe pain - is there any opiate type medication that helps if you are on a high dose of buprenorhine?
I wasn't sure if I should post this under methadone or buprenorphine, but I posted here because I know a lot less about buprenorhine.
Thank you for your thoughts and comments on this topicl

[kramorph]

Buprenorphine is a partial antagonist-agonist, which means it stimulates the opiate receptors satisfying them but blocking(antagonising) other opiates. That is why Bup. is the preferred treatment as it blocks the effects of any H used like Naltrexone and Naloxone. I was on Bup. for over 2 years and it took 6weeks of moderate w/d to get off it. Needless to say I started using H after 4wks of no sleep,diarrhoea etc and am now on methadone. Buprenorphine is ok if you never want to get off opiates and my friend used to shoot his takaway each sunday. He said nice mild rush that lasts all day.But you must be careful not to overheat and to filter out all the crap with a wheel.Methadone is a pure agonist and doesnt block H at all. In fact on Meth you can use a large amount each f/n(payday) (H) and enjoy it coz we only get crap here in oz, better off with morphine or bake.

[Paregoric Kid]

actually methadone can block other opiates, if you are on like 70-80mg or more of methadone you would need more h than usual because that much methadone will fill up receptors and "block" other opiates

[1badrabbit]

In my experience its much easier to taper off of bupe then H and the withdrawals are shorter and less intense. If you don't plan on staying on bupe I would recommend a quick taper though, its seems to be harder to kick the longer you have been on the stuff.
Bupe is a funny drug in the sense that less seems to be more. For example when I first started taking bupe I would get a small warm feeling from snorting 2mg (snorted because it works faster then sublingual), but wouldn't get anything at all from 4-24mg. There is a forum with a lot of good information about bupe and methadone on www.heroin-detox.com .
Also keep in mind that when transfering from methadone to bupe you usually have to taper down to 30mg a day of methadone maximum. Otherwise the bupe might not be strong enough to keep you out of withdrawals.
To answer the last part of your question I really don't know of any opiate drugs that work for pain relief when on bupe. The bupe seems to block everything once you have taken 4mg or more in 24 hours. The blocking effects seems to last from 12-36 hours depending on the person, dose, and some other factors.
Hope this helps answer some of your questions from the sound of it your probably better staying with methadone.

[shaunclo]

Methadone is no fun withdrawing from, it could take 3-4 weeks to get off of it. Suboxone is what you should do (in my opinion) There is no real "high" or "rush" from suboxone, but it is a nice clean feeling. A feeling that if you have been on opiates for a while, you probably havnt felt "clean" in a while. Its nice to be able to think straight and feel somewhat normal. Like Bad rabbit said, I wouldnt go on suboxone for a long time, because your just substituting and will have a hard time coming off the sub. Just take it to where you can handle the pains then stop. Thats what I did and it worked out great....good luck

[SCHTIC]

done should push out bupe since bupe can't push out done should be almost that simple though swithching from done to bupe suck's and taked much longer to find your comfort zone

[RxQueen]

this thread is over 2-1/2 years old! please check the dates before resurrecting ancient threads... we prefer to let them die a natural death. if you have anything useful to add, start a new thread.

[Duckfeet]

I'm glad u posted this: I was just getting ready to jump in two, I thought it was a bunch of new people talking about subs, and I am *so* opinionated...and then to find out, nah, oooold thread...good catch...easy enuff to start new one....


this thread is over 2-1/2 years old! please check the dates before resurrecting ancient threads... we prefer to let them die a natural death. if you have anything useful to add, start a new thread.