Subutex is given during the first few days of treatment, while
Suboxone is used during the maintenance phase of treatment. Like methadone,
Suboxone can then be gradually weaned and stopped, eliminating physical dependence on opioids.
Clonidine is a blood pressure medicine that acts on the brain. Clonidine reduces the effects of the "fight or flight" response, which is over-activated during opioid withdrawal.