Buprenorphine: Methadone Symptoms & Side Effects

Question: Does anyone have information regarding buprenorphine as used to treat heroin addiction?

(Posted by: dariana b on 2007-05-30 01:19:09)

I've always heard about methadone, but recently I've been hearing about buprenorphine as well. I was just wondering if there are any side effects, and if this is better than using methadone.

Posted by: cheyanne lw on 2007-05-30, 01:24:13

According to the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, just one injection of buprenorphine can block heroin's effects and relieve heroin craving and withdrawal symptoms for up to 6 weeks. The tests also showed that the buprenorphine formulation appeared to be safe and well-tolerated, with no side effects nor signs of opioid intoxication or respiratory depression. Also, no patient needed additional medication for relief from withdrawal. All in all, buprenorphine has been found to be effective and an appealing treatment option for heroin and other opioid addicts.