[Buprenorphine as a new alternative for detoxification of heroin addicts. It causes only mild withdrawal problems, abating quickly].
Buprenorphine might be an alternative drug to be used in opiate detoxification. Its main advantage is that it carries a low risk for respiratory depression, it gives less euphoria and limited withdrawal effects. In a pilot detoxification project ten heroin addicts were given buprenorphine; seven completed the course. Before detoxification seven patients showed five or more signs on the Himmelsbach scale [6]. After the second day four patients showed no signs, four patients displayed one sign, two patients two signs. Buprenorphine may be a valuable alternative to clonidine, dextropropoxiphene and methadone in the detoxification of opiate addicts.
Blennow
G
G
Universitetssjukhuset MAS, Malmö. blennow@swipnet.se
Fergusson
A
A
Medvedeo
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D008297:Male; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D002047:Buprenorphine