title: Course and treatment of buprenorphine/naloxone withdrawal: an analysis of case reports.
abstract: Currently published information on buprenorphine-naloxone withdrawal recommends a gradually decreasing dosage over weeks to months. In this case report, abrupt cessation of buprenorphine/naloxone at various doses, and after variable durations of treatment, resulted in mild opiate withdrawal lasting over approximately 1-2 days that did not require additional opioid medication or only specific symptom-relieving, non-opioid, medications. Lengthy withdrawal regimens might prolong withdrawal symptoms unnecessarily, perhaps increasing the risk of re-addiction. Controlled studies of buprenorphine/naloxone withdrawal regimens over varying time frames would help to illuminate the most effective means of opioid discontinuation and inform clinical care.
authors.affiliation: Addictive Disorders Service, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, USA. weste010@umn.edu
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Westermeyer
authors.forename: Elinore F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: McCance-Katz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone; D002047:Buprenorphine