What is Buprenorphine ??
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This medication is used to treat narcotic (opioid) dependence. It works by preventing withdrawal symptoms, since it is actually a type of narcotic (opioid) itself. It should be used as part of a complete narcotic dependence treatment plan.
It is not a pain reliever, it just keeps you from feeling sick from withdrawls
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/buprenorphi...
does anyone us google or wikipedia anymore?
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What exactly is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine (BYOO-pre-NOR-feen) ('bū-prĕ-'nôr-fēn) (C29H41NO4) is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine. (found in the Poppy plant) -MORE-
How does Buprenorphine work in the brain?
The Buprenorphine tends to occupy the receptors without all of the opioid effects. -MORE-
Are there other uses for Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine has been used to treat pain for many years.
It is used for pain and it has antidepressant properties.used for short-term and long-term opioid maintenance therapy.
Good luck- drug dependence and pain are real obstacles to good, conscious living. I hope you find relief eventually in a non-chemical way.
What is buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine (‘bup’, ‘B’) is available by prescription, under the name of Subutex, as a treatment for heroin dependence. It has been found to be effective in reducing the need to continue using heroin (buprenorphine maintenance) and also in helping people to withdraw from heroin and methadone. Buprenorphine is also prescribed to treat severe pain.
The information provided here discusses buprenorphine maintenance treatment.
Buprenorphine (pronounced bew-pre-nor-feen) has been found to be effective in treating heroin dependence by:
preventing withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings for heroin
blocking the effects of heroin. Using heroin will not provide the ‘high’ that would normally be expected, therefore it takes away one of the main reasons to use heroin.
How effective is buprenorphine?
The effectiveness of any treatment, including for heroin or other opioid dependency (addiction), is more likely to be successful if it is part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Often, a range of factors contribute to an individual’s use of drugs. Thus, it is strongly recommended that those wanting to remain free of heroin engage in a treatment program that addresses the physical (the body), psychological (the mind) and environmental issues relating to the person’s drug use. This may involve combining several treatment approaches, such as buprenorphine maintenance, counselling, alternative or holistic therapies such as massage and naturopathic treatment; and developing a positive support network including peers, family and friends and support groups.
As with any type of treatment or approach to heroin dependency, buprenorphine maintenance may be effective for some people but will not suit everyone. A doctor or drug counsellor who spends time assessing the person’s specific situation and explaining different options will recommend an approach that is appropriate for that individual.
Buprenorphine is one in a number of maintenance treatments for heroin dependence. Others include:
Methadone (if using buprenorphine, the transfer to methadone can occur rapidly)
Naltrexone (if using buprenorphine, the transfer to naltrexone can take place within 3–5 days)
More on treatment
Advantages of buprenorphine maintenance treatment
There are many benefits of being on buprenorphine maintenance, when compared with continuing the use of heroin:
Maintenance treatment holds the person stable while they readjust their lives. The person may decide later to work towards reducing their dose of buprenorphine until they no longer require medical treatment.
Using buprenorphine on its own is unlikely to result in an overdose.
Health problems are reduced or avoided, especially those related to injecting, such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, skin infections and vein problems.
Doses are required only once a day, sometimes even less often, because buprenorphine’s effects are long lasting.
Buprenorphine is much cheaper than heroin.
Staying off heroin can provide the opportunity to experience more ‘life opportunities’, such as. greater personal happiness, more close and stable relationships with others, employment and more money to buy goods for personal enjoyment.
What are the side effects?
Buprenorphine is generally well tolerated; however, some side effects have been reported. Most of these symptoms occur very early in treatment—in the first week or so. Side effects may be due to the combined experience of withdrawal from opioids and taking buprenorphine. It is important to report any side effects to a health professional.
The most common side effects are similar to those listed under the section ‘Buprenorphine withdrawal’.
Related issues
Before a person commences any drug treatment program, it is important that all the relevant information has been explained to them by a qualified health professional and, where appropriate, to carers such as family, friends etc. This includes the length of the program, how much it costs, what other supports are included or recommended, all the risks and side effects, and any other health issues to consider. When deciding on the suitability of buprenorphine maintenance, the following issues should also be discussed with a health professional:
existing liver conditions, such as acute hepatitis
respiratory illnesses
if a woman is pregnant, wanting to become pregnant or breastfeeding (it has not been established that using buprenorphine during pregnancy is safe)
buprenorphine may impair the ability to drive and operate machinery safely, so it may not be appropriate for people in certain occupations.
For referral to a buprenorphine prescribing doctor or dispensing pharmacy, contact the alcohol and drug service in your State or Territory.
Starting on buprenorphine maintenance
People who use heroin and those on a methadone program can use buprenorphine. After beginning on daily doses of buprenorphine, the dose is adjusted until the person is stabilised (free from withdrawal symptoms such as cravings). The dose may then be reduced to every second day or three times a week.
For people who use heroin, the first dose of buprenorphine is taken at least 6 hours after last using heroin; ideally, just as withdrawal symptoms begin.
People on a methadone program with a daily dose of 30 milligrams or less can transfer straight onto buprenorphine, and are unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Those on methadone doses above 30 milligrams may need to have their methadone dose reduced before transferring to buprenorphine. If transferring to buprenorphine from methadone doses above 30 milligrams, withdrawal symptoms may be experienced similar to those listed under ‘Buprenorphine withdrawal’. It is not recommended that anyone on a daily methadone dose of more than 60 milligrams transfer to buprenorphine.
In general, people on methadone programs have a slightly higher risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms than those taking heroin when transferring to buprenorphine. This means that some people may feel slightly uncomfortable for a short period of time before the buprenorphine stabilises them.
How is buprenorphine taken?
A Subutex tablet must be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Chewing or swallowing the tablet will make it ineffective. Injecting Subutex is dangerous, and can lead to severe vein damage, blood clots and other health complications.
Subutex dissolves within 2–8 minutes after placing it under the tongue. The effects begin within 30–60 minutes of taking the dose and peak within 2–4 hours, lasting between 4 hours to three days, depending on the dosage.
What is the right dosage?
The dosage of buprenorphine often varies for each person. As a guide, doses range from 4 milligrams to 32 milligrams per day for people with heroin dependence. A health practitioner should be informed of any side effects that are experienced, so that the dosage can be adjusted where appropriate. When first starting on buprenorphine maintenance, it may take a number of days (typically from three to seven days) for the effects of buprenorphine to become stable in the body. Continuing heroin use can make it difficult for the person to stabilise.
Missed doses
If a person misses their buprenorphine doses for more than five days in a row, they will need to undergo a review by the prescribing health professional. If this occurs, it is recommended that the person start again on a lower dose of buprenorphine.
Using buprenorphine with other drugs
Combining the use of any drugs can increase or alter the effects that are usually experienced from using the individual drug. It is often difficult to predict the consequences of combining the use of different drugs.
It is particularly important to avoid using other depressant drugs, such as benzodiazepines (‘benzos’), e.g. Valium, with buprenorphine. Using benzodiazepines with buprenorphine may lead to breathing difficulties, coma or death.
Using buprenorphine with heroin or other opiates, such as methadone, increases the chances of experiencing ongoing withdrawal symptoms.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using buprenorphine with alcohol, medicines or other drugs.
Buprenorphine withdrawal
Withdrawal from long-term use of buprenorphine may produce symptoms similar to those experienced from heroin withdrawal. However, withdrawal symptoms tend to be milder with buprenorphine than those from methadone and other opioids.
Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, but may include:
cold- or flu-like symptoms
headaches
sweating
aches and pains
sleeping difficulties
nausea
mood swings
loss of appetite.
These effects usually peak in the first two to five days. Some mild effects may last a number of weeks.
Where can I get buprenorphine and what does it cost?
Buprenorphine may only be prescribed by a doctor who has a permit from the Department of Human Services (DHS). Like methadone, buprenorphine is subject to a dispensing fee, currently about $5.00 per dose.
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