By Virginia Russell


Opioids are therapeutic drugs that are mostly used for pain management. They are prescription only medication in many places because of their well known side effects, addictive properties and the presence of withdrawal symptoms when their use is stopped. Buprenorphine is one of the drugs used in the treatment of opioid withdrawal. There are a number of things on buprenorphine Memphis residents should know.

This drug is classified as a mixed opioid agonist-antagonists. This means that It can activate or inhibit the opioid receptors thus may cause opposing actions in different circumstances. To be more effective, the drug should not be used in isolation. Rather, it should be used alongside other methods of rehabilitation such as behavioural modification and counselling.

Other than its use in the management of withdrawal symptoms, the molecule is a strong analgesic agents just like the ordinary opioids. It is commonly used for the management of acute and chronic pain. The formulations that are available in the market include a skin patch a tablet and an injection. The route to be used is largely dependent on the underlying diagnosis.

If you have been given the drug to used at home, it is important that you first familiarize yourself with the medication guide provided by the pharmacist. This will not only help you know about how it should be administered, but it also lets you know about the associated side effects. If in doubt, ensure that you consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The drug is available as a tablet for use in managing withdrawal symptoms that is administered through the sublingual route. This means that it is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve slowly over time. The dissolution should be completed in between five and ten minutes. The dosage of drug depends on the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. An injection to be used once a month for the management of these symptoms is awaiting approval in the United States.

Following the instructions issued by the doctor is important for the drugs to achieve their effect. Swallowing the tablet instead of taking it sublingually will make it ineffective. Making it a suspension and injecting it into a vein is equally not helpful. In fact, this tends to worsen the withdrawal symptoms and is therefore, strongly discouraged.

Ironically, buprenorphine may itself cause withdrawal symptoms if it has been in use for a long period of time. Such will include restlessness, tearing, runny nose, sweating and muscular pains. One of the ways of reducing the risk of suffering this effects, is to ensure that the dose is reduced gradually before being stopped eventually. Other side effects may include respiratory depression, low blood pressure and allergies.

Buprenorphine has itself found to cause withdrawal symptoms especially if used regularly over a long period of time. Such symptoms may include a state of restlessness, sweating, a running nose, tearing and muscular pains among others. To minimize the risk of suffering these symptoms, it is recommended that the dose should be tapered gradually rather than stopped suddenly.




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