by Anna Governali

Created on: May 16, 2009   Last Updated: May 20, 2009

Buprenorphine is a medication that is used for the treatment for heroin and other opiate addictions. Once an individual develops a dependence to opioid, it becomes a disease of the brain. According to the National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine treatment, "buprenorphine is much stronger at the brain's receptors sites than any other opiates- such as heroin, painkillers, or methadone." Buprenorphine compensate for other opiates within the brain- though as any opiates, buprenorphine is abusable. This is why Naloxone is added to the mix- playing a highly functional role to lessen the likelihood of diversion and abuse (

http://www.naabt.org/education/what_bt_like.cfm).

Buprenorphine is administered under the tongue with a small syringe. The medication is not to be swallowed- it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. "The patient receives a single dose each day to ensure consistent active level of the medication remains in the patient's central nervous system. Typically, the initial daily dose totals around 8-16mg. The dose is slowly tapered each day and the medication is usually stopped 36-38 hours prior to the end of the detox program." Buprenorphine remains in the body up to 48 hours. It decreases the symptoms of withdrawal and the counteractive effects. In order to assure the preparation of treatment, a patient must complete a sixteen-week study phase with the following requirement to continue on buprenorphine for another 36 weeks while undergoing a flexible-doing schedule. There are existing side effects when using buprenorphine, such as "nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness headache, itch, dry mouth, meiosis, orthostaric hypotension, difficulty with ejaculation, decreased libido, urinary retention, and constipation" (http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/ar ticle/buprenorphine-detox-and-treatment_24.html).

There are, however, three phases of buprenorphine maintenance therapy- which is the induction phase, the "medically monitored startup of buprenorphine therapy." Once the patient goes without using opioids for 12-24 hours, reaching the earlier stages of opioid withdrawal, they are ready to begin the treatment. The next phase is stabilization. At this point, the patient has drastically reduced the use of the drug of abuse. The patient is no longer experiencing cravings and has few side effects. The last phase is maintenance, which is achieved once the patient is doing well and on a steady dose of buprenorphine. This phase varies on each patient undergoing treatment (http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/about.html).

As Buprenorphine treatment has been proven to be most effective amongst other placebos, however, it is an alternative. It is not replacement for methadone. It's an option. Overall, what it comes down to is finding the treatment that is best suited for the patient whether it's based on prior medical history, their personal preference, past treatment to side effects, availability, dispensing regulations, cost and government reimbursement schedules. All in all, it's ultimately the treatment, counseling and support that will assure a successful recovery (http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/ar ticle/buprenorphine-detox-and-treatment_24.html).

Learn more about this author, Anna Governali.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.