Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a FDA-approved, highly studied and regulated medication used to help individuals recover from opioid addiction in a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program. It acts as a stabilizer in the body rather than as a narcotic. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine helps patients function physically, emotionally and intellectually without impairment. Furthermore, it helps patients engage in counseling to set goals and achieve positive health, mental and behavioral outcomes.
Buprenorphine sticks to the opioid receptors in the brain, so those who take other opioids while on buprenorphine will not experience a high. This is because there are so few open brain receptors for them to bind with. When taken as directed and not combined with other drugs like benzodiazepines, buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and carries a low risk of overdose.
Also, the effects of buprenorphine level off at a moderate dose, so there is little incentive to take more. Doctors call this a ceiling effect.
The extended-release versions of buprenorphine offer a convenient option for many people. Because the dose is controlled, the recovery medication cannot be misused or diverted for illegal use, and the treatment will not interfere with the patient’s work, school, or family schedule.
Buprenorphine has been found to be safe and effective in treating opioid use disorder. Some patients have reported side effects like sleep disturbances, nausea, constipation, vomiting, dizziness, headache and muscle aches. Often these side effects decrease with time.
Suboxone is the commercial name for buprenorphine when it is combined with naloxon for the treatment of opioid addiction. Although naloxone is mostly used for overdoses, it is also added to buprenorphine formulations to deter misuse and prevent the buprenorphine from being inappropriately used.
