| Brand Name | Subutex, Butrans |
| Generic Name | Buprenorphine |
| Drug Class | Mu-Opioid Receptor Agonist |
| Availability | Prescription |
| Manufacturer | Reckitt Benckiser, Various |
| Indications | Pain management (acute or chronic) |
| Type | Tablet |
| Doses | 0.2-0.4 mg sublingually every 4-6 hours; 5 mcg/hr patch for chronic pain |
| Route | Oral, Patch |
| Side Effects | Dizziness, constipation, nausea, headache, withdrawal symptoms |
| Interactions | May interact with CNS depressants; caution with alcohol |
| Overdose | Sedation, respiratory issues. |
| Missed Dose | Take ASAP; skip if near next. |
| Contraindications | Severe respiratory depression, GI obstruction, dependence. |
| Alternatives | Hydromorphone, Buprenorphine, Tapentadol |
| Co-Pay Assistance Program | Available Rx |
| Patient Assistance Program | Available |
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Buprenorphine is prescribed as an opioid recovery drug, as well as analgesic. It assists in decreasing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms of opioid-addicted people.
Buprenorphine functions in part and operates through activation of opioid receptors located in the brain that alleviate the effects of withdrawal and craving without the complete effects of opioids.
The side effects are typical, namely headache, nausea, constipation and dizziness. Side effects can be serious, as respiratory will be depressed or may cause allergies.
Buprenorphine is normally administered as film or sublingual tablet, which is dissolved under the tongue. It is also given in the form of the buccal film or injectable according to the treatment plan.
The use of buprenorphine during pregnancy is possible in opioid dependence since it is less harmful than full agonist opioids. Proper dosage is must, consult your healthcare provider when pregnant.
When you forget to take a dose, the sooner you could take it the better unless it is nearly your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Buprenorphine is less likely to be abused than other opioids, although it might result in addiction when not administered appropriately. Always take the instructions of the healthcare provider.
Yes, Buprenorphine may interact with other drugs with central nervous system activity, such as other opioids, benzodiazepines and alcohol. Always make sure you report all medications that you take to your healthcare provider.
The effect of buprenorphine usually takes a few hours to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The addiction treatment may require several days to stabilize fully.
Indeed, Buprenorphine is applicable in pain management particularly in opioid-tolerant patients. It is commonly concomitant with other drug interventions used to treat chronic pain.
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