Buprenorphine for pain relief in a patient with drug abuse.
Buprenorphine is a mixed opioid agonist/antagonist which appears to produce less physical dependence and respiratory depression than typical mu-agonist opioids. These effects suggest its use for analgesia for drug abusers. However, buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal from other opioids. The present case illustrates the utility of buprenorphine and describes a method to transfer a patient from a mu-agonist to buprenorphine without precipitating withdrawal or interrupting analgesia.
Hughes
J R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington 05401.
Bickel
W K
WK
Higgins
S T
ST
D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D009021:Morphine Dependence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009270:Naloxone; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D009270:Naloxone; D002047:Buprenorphine; D009020:Morphine