Buprenorphine dosing regime in the management of out-patient heroin withdrawal.
This study aimed to establish a buprenorphine regime suitable for the short-term management of out-patient heroin withdrawal using an open-label, single-group case series. Eighteen dependent injecting heroin users underwent an 8-day withdrawal episode with supervised dosing of sublingual Subutex tablets. Buprenorphine doses were titrated daily over a 5-day period. Fifteen subjects (83%) completed the 5-day regime, and 14 (78%) completed the 8-day withdrawal episode. The mean doses ((SD) were 6.1 (1.2) mg on day 1; 9.6 (1.7) mg on day 2; 10.1 (1.9) mg on day 3; 8.9 (2.0) mg on day 4; 4.1 (1.5) mg on day 5; and a total regime dose of 38.9 (5.8) mg. Withdrawal severity was mild, with minimal rebound upon the cessation of dosing. Five subjects reported no heroin use, and five subjects reported using on only one occasion during the 8 days. An out-patient buprenorphine regime is recommended.
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre and Australian National University, Victoria, Australia.
Nicholas
N
Lintzeris
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D002047:Buprenorphine