Compare Suboxone vs. tramadol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats opioid addiction.
Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone) works well to reduce cravings and treat opioid dependence. It's most effective if you have an addiction to heroin or short-acting opioids.
●●●●●
4.0/ 5 average rating with 35 reviewsforSuboxone
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Ultram (tramadol) works well for pain. Although it's a little weaker than other opioids, it can still be addictive.
●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 642 reviewsfortramadol
Upsides
- Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone) works best for people addicted to short-acting opioids or heroin.
- Your doctor can adjust the dose to a level that controls withdrawal symptoms until you're stable.
- Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone) has fewer side effects and drug interactions compared to other similar medicines.
- Relieves moderate to severe pain. It has been shown to work as well as other opioid pain medications.
- Compared to typical opioids, it provides unique pain relief and effects on your mood when taken regularly.
- Has a lower chance of causing breathing problems compared to other typical opioids.
- Doesn't cause as much constipation as other opioid pain medicines. Staying hydrated and taking laxatives can help treat this side effect.
Downsides
- Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone) is not as good for people who are dependent on long-acting opioids or methadone because of the risk of a long withdrawal.
- Like all opioids, it can cause slowed breathing, coma, and death from overdose, especially if you mix with other depressants, like pain medicine or alcohol.
- You have to be very careful with your dose. Changing the size or strength of a film can affect the amount of drug absorbed into your body, and could cause under- or over-dosing.
- The film can cause reduced sensation in your mouth, painful burning tongue, or burning mouth syndrome.
- The film may not be appropriate for you if you have lung disease.
- Some people think it's weaker than other opioid pain medications. It can also cause more upset stomach.
- Like other opioid pain relievers, Ultram (tramadol) has a high risk of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death.
- The extended release version of Ultram (tramadol) should only be used for severe pain that requires daily, around-the-clock treatment once alternative treatments haven't worked.
- It's a controlled substance regulated by the federal government. This means that your use of Ultram (tramadol) will be tracked to prevent potential prescription abuse.
- Like all opioids, don't use when pregnant, since the baby can become dependent on it and have withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Sublingual film
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$19.39
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$39.35
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
35 reviews so far
80%
saidit'sworth it
66%
saiditworked well
0%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone)?
Leave a review642 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ultram (tramadol)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
16possible side effects
- Headache36%
- Withdrawal25%
- Pain22%
- Nausea15%
- Difficulty sleeping14%
- Sweating14%
- Constipation12%
- Stomach pain11%
- Dilation of blood vessels9%
- Chills8%
- Vomiting8%
- Weakness7%
- Infection6%
- Hay fever5%
- Back pain4%
- Diarrhea4%
13possible side effects
- Dizziness26%
- Nausea24%
- Constipation24%
- Headache18%
- Sleepiness16%
- Vomiting9%
- Pruritus8%
- CNS Stimulation7%
- Asthenia6%
- Sweating6%
- Dyspepsia5%
- Dry Mouth5%
- Diarrhea5%
Risks and risk factors
- Low blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- dehydration
- taking drugs that lower blood pressure
- Liver failure
- Liver disease
- Hepatitis B and C
- Taking Suboxone (buprenorphine / naloxone) with other drugs that cause liver damage
- Severe allergic reactions
- Respiratory depression
- Taking with alcohol or other drugs that slow the nervous system
- Lung disease
- Unintentional child exposure
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Breathing problems
- Age 65 or greater
- Overdose
- Using alcohol, benzodiazepines or other medicines that slow breathing
- Addiction, abuse, and overdose
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking with alcohol or benzodiazepines
- Stopping Ultram (tramadol) suddenly
- Interactions with other drugs
- Withdrawal in newborns
- Pregnancy
- Accidental ingestion
- Children can reach medication