title: The use of intravenous buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid withdrawal in medically ill hospitalized patients.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the safety of buprenorphine administered intravenously for the treatment of opioid withdrawal in medically ill hospitalized patients. Data regarding demographic information, number of doses of buprenorphine, and measures of buprenorphine's effects were collected via chart reviews for 30 heroin-dependent patients who received buprenorphine intravenously during their hospitalization for an acute medical problem. No respiratory depression was observed, and no patients reported feeling "high." All patients reported that buprenorphine decreased withdrawal symptoms. Thus, intravenous administration of buprenorphine appears to be safe for the treatment of opioid withdrawal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA. cwelsh@psych.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Welsh
authors.forename: Meenakshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suman
authors.forename: Art
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Broyles
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Weintraub
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D002047:Buprenorphine; D003932:Heroin