What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is an FDA approved opioid addiction treatment. Currently Subutex® & Suboxone® are the only Buprenorphine medications approved by the FDA.

Buprenorphine itself is opioid itself, but the maximal effects are less than other more dangerous opioid agonist like methadone and herion. By producing enough agonist, individuals taking Buprenophine that have become addicted to other opioids are able to discontinue abuse with minimized withdrawl side-effects.


Side Effects of Buprenorphine

Like other opioids, Buprenorphine can have withdrawl side effects:

  • Unable to Sleep
  • Cramps & Muscle Aching
  • Diarrhea, Nausea, & Vomiting
  • Cravings
  • Fever
  • Irritability

Addiction Therapy

There are 3 phases of Buprenorphine treatment therapy

  1. Induction Phase - 12 to 24 hours after last opioid use, where Buprenorphine is medically administered.
  2. Stabilization Phase - patient no longer craves opioid, useage has stopped or decreased significantly, and no longer experiencing side effects.
  3. Maintenance Phase - the detox phase where patient usage of opioid has stopped and Buprenorphine dosage is steady or ended completely.

For more information on Buprenorphine visit: http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/about.html