Transferring methadone-maintained outpatients to the buprenorphine sublingual tablet: a preliminary study.
There is no accepted algorithm to transfer opioid-dependent patients from methadone (METH) to its new alternative, buprenorphine (BUP). Five outpatients transferred (double blind, double dummy) from METH 60 mg/day (with one day at 45 mg) to BUP 8 mg s.l. tablet. Relative to METH maintenance, BUP decreased opioid agonist symptoms (transfer day 1) and increased withdrawal symptoms (days 1 and 2) and blood pressure (day 2). Self-reported heroin use did not increase from METH maintenance levels. It may be feasible to transfer outpatients on METH 60 mg/day to BUP 8 mg/day s.l. tablet, although this pilot protocol needs refinements to improve tolerability and clinical efficacy.
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009294:Narcotics; D002047:Buprenorphine; D008691:Methadone