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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a medication that is commonly used for the treatment of opioid addiction. It is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but produces a less intense effect. In this article, we will discuss the various types, the advantages and disadvantages of using it, and the differences between it and other opioid treatments.

This medication has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid addiction since 2002. It is a partial agonist of the opioid receptors, meaning it activates the same receptors as opioids, but to a lesser extent. It has a lower risk of respiratory depression and overdose compared to other opioids, making it a safer option for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It is available as a sublingual tablet or film, and it can be prescribed by qualified healthcare providers who have received training and certification to prescribe it for opioid addiction.

Types

There are several types that are used for the treatment of opioid addiction, including:

  • Suboxone: Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, an opioid antagonist that helps prevent abuse of the medication. Suboxone is often used as a part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
  • Subutex: Subutex is a form of this drug that does not contain naloxone. It is used for the treatment of opioid addiction but is not as commonly prescribed as Suboxone.
  • Buprenex: Buprenex is an injectable form that is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.

Advantages

There are several advantages to using this medication for the treatment of opioid addiction, including:

  • Reduced risk of overdose: It is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it produces a less intense effect than full opioid agonists like heroin or fentanyl. This reduces the risk of overdose.
  • Reduced cravings: It can help reduce cravings for opioids, which can make it easier for individuals to abstain from drug use.
  • Increased treatment retention: Studies have shown that individuals who receive this medication as a part of MAT are more likely to remain in treatment and achieve long-term recovery.

Disadvantages

There are also some disadvantages to using this medicine, including:

  • Cost: This drug can be expensive, especially for individuals who do not have insurance coverage or who are not eligible for financial assistance programs.
  • Side effects: Like all medications, it can cause side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
  • Dependence: This medication is a partial opioid agonist and can lead to physical dependence. However, the risk of dependence is lower than with full opioid agonists.

Comparison

The primary difference between it and other opioid treatments, such as methadone, is the level of control over the medication. Methadone is a full opioid agonist and can only be dispensed through a licensed opioid treatment program. This medicine, on the other hand, can be prescribed by any healthcare provider who has received the appropriate training and certification. This makes this medication more accessible and convenient for many individuals.

Possible side effects

Here is a list of possible side effects:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Anxiety

Less common

  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Muscle aches and cramps
  • Runny nose
  • Pupil dilation
  • Rash or hives
  • Difficulty breathing

Severe

  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypotension
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma

It is important to note that not everyone who takes it will experience these side effects, and some people may experience other side effects not listed here. If you are concerned about any side effects, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Do some people use it to get high?

This medication is primarily used as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, and is not typically used for recreational purposes. It has a “ceiling effect,” which means that taking more of the medication than prescribed will not produce a stronger or euphoric effect, but can actually increase the risk of side effects and overdose.

However, it is possible to be misused or abused by individuals seeking to get high or self-medicate. In some cases, people may use it to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from opioids or to enhance the effects of other substances. It is important to use it only as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to seek help if you are struggling with addiction or misuse of any medication.

What is the most popular form of it by prescribing doctors?

This medicine is available in several different forms, including tablets, films, and injections. The most popular form is prescribed by doctors for opioid addiction treatment is the sublingual tablet or film.

The sublingual tablet is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve, while the film is placed on the inside of the cheek and allowed to dissolve. These forms are preferred because they are easy to administer, have a relatively long duration of action, and can be adjusted in dosage to meet the needs of the individual patient. Additionally, the sublingual tablet and film are less likely to be abused than other forms, such as injections. However, the choice of the form may depend on various factors such as patient preference, insurance coverage, and local availability.

Statistics

  • This medicine has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use and improving treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid addiction.
  • According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 13,000 physicians are certified to prescribe it for the treatment of opioid addiction in the United States.

This medication used for the treatment of opioid addiction and pain management. Here are some relevant statistics regarding its use:

  1. In 2019, over 1.2 million people in the United States received a prescription for it. (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
  2. The number of of prescriptions increased by 32% from 2016 to 2019. (Source: American Medical Association)
  3. This medicine has been shown to reduce the risk of overdose death by 40-60% among people with opioid use disorder. (Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  4. In a study of over 11,000 patients receiving this medication for opioid use disorder, 71% were still in treatment after 12 months. (Source: Journal of Addiction Medicine)
  5. This drug is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, which includes the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. (Source: World Health Organization)

Here are the sources for the statistics above:

  1. National Survey on Drug Use and Health: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-detailed-tables
  2. American Medical Association: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2020-08/issue-brief-increase-access.pdf
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/
  4. Journal of Addiction Medicine: https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/fulltext/2018/04000/prescribing_practices_and_experiences.4.aspx
  5. World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/medicines/services/inn/en/