Buprenorphine hydrochloride is a prescription medication sold under the brand name Buprenex. This potent drug is approved for the treatment of opioid dependence on narcotic drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The Royal College of General Practitioners advises that buprenorphine is an effective treatment for drug addictions and is safer than other medications, such as methadone, used for this purpose. As it is a partial opioid, it is more difficult to overdose on buprenorphine than on methadone and other narcotics, and withdrawal symptoms are less severe. However, this opioid drug has several contraindications and must only be administered under the supervision of a doctor trained in its use.
Function
Buprenorphine hydrochloride works to treat drug addiction by acting as a partial opioid agonist. This means that it reduces the withdrawal symptoms that a drug-dependent person experiences when they stop using "hard" drugs or narcotics. The Royal College of General Practitioners advises that at low, measured doses, buprenorphine provides sufficient opioid agonist effects to allow drug-addicted individuals to stop using with no or milder withdrawal symptoms. The dose is gradually increased to a maximum amount to rehabilitate the patient and then is tapered off. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. However, though the effects of buprenorphine are less powerful than full opioids such as methadone and heroin, it can still cause side effects such as euphoria and decreased breathing.
Assessment
Buprenorphine can cause acute or chronic hypersensitivity. The Royal College of General Practitioners explains that an assessment of each patient is important to ensure suitability for using this treatment method. Buphrenorphine can worsen or trigger withdrawal symptoms if administered to patients who are still using full opioids. Hence, a pre-assessment includes a urine drug test. Other tests for patients beginning buprenorphine include liver function tests -- to ensure that the body can safely break down and excrete the medication -- and blood screens for viruses such as HIV and hepatitis A, B and C. The patient should not have already been on buprenorphine, as chronic use can result in dependence. Female patients should also be given a pregnancy test prior to treatment, as buprenorphine can cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms in the newborn infant.
Side Effects
Buprenorphine can cause side effects that are similar to other opioids, including vomiting, nausea, constipation and sedation. Drugs.com lists other side effects of buprenorphine, including dizziness, vertigo, sweating, headache pain, tachycardia or fast heart rate, low blood pressure or high blood pressure, pruritus or skin itching, blurred vision, nervousness, tremors or shaking and slurred speech. This partial opioid agonist may also cause euphoria or elevated mood, depression and confusion, as do other opioid drugs.
Adverse Effects
The addiction recovery site Medical Assisted Treatment warns that prolonged treatment with buprenorphine or stopping the treatment abruptly can cause withdrawal signs and symptoms. These include low mood, irritability or depression, muscle aches and cramps, dilated pupils, sweating, diarrhea, mild fever, insomnia and food cravings. Other adverse effects that are rare but may occur in some individuals include hallucinations, changes in personality, fatigue, tinnitus or ringing in the ears and slowed breathing. It is important to seek urgent medical attention if any adverse effect is experienced.
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