Buprenorphine

WHAT IS BUPRENORPHINE?

Buprenorphine is a pharmacotherapy prescribed by a specialist doctor to assist with heroin withdrawal and to reduce the harms associated with heroin use. People use buprenorphine when they are trying to stop using opioids. If you are used to using opioids you don’t get as strong a hit from Bupe, even at higher doses.

OTHER NAMES:

Bupe, B, Suboxone, Subutex, Pharmacotherapy, OSTP, Opiate Substitution Therapy Program, ORT, Opiate Replacement Program, on The Program, Norspan

EFFECTS:

• Similar effects to other opiates such as feelings of warmth, wellbeing, relaxation and sleepiness as well as similar side effects including nausea and sweating.
• Although Buprenorphine is an opioid, it has a slightly different effect on the opioid receptors in the brain compared to heroin and methadone. This means the maximum effect is less than these other drugs and the effects seem to plateau even at higher doses. It also means that the use of buprenorphine by an opiate dependent individual can cause withdrawal symptoms if they still have other opiates in their system, for more information on Buprenorphine click here.

• Bupe is prescribed and then collected from a pharmacy.
• If you use other opioids on top of buprenorphine it will reduce their effects.
• In Australia buprenorphine generally comes in tablet, film or long-lasting injection.
• Tablets and film are placed under the tongue to dissolve.
• Chewing or swallowing the tablet makes it less effective.

OVERDOSE

• It’s also important to know that if you use alcohol, marijuana and other depressants at the same time as Bupe this increases your risk of overdose.
• Overdose from Buprenorphine is less likely than in heroin and methadone but it is still a risk, especially with people who do not normally use opiates or when mixed with other depressant drugs such as alcohol. There are similar symptoms to heroin overdose, especially respiratory depression.
• An ambulance should be called if any of these happen.

SOME COMMON HARM REDUCTION STRATEGIES

• Follow directions from your prescribing doctor especially when you first start taking it
• Avoid injecting Bupe especially if someone has already had it in their mouth where there are lots of bacteria
• Avoid mixing with other drugs, especially alcohol and other opioids
• Naloxone (Narcan) reverses the effects of heroin and other opioids and can be administered via nasal spray or an injection into the muscle.

This is only a little bit of information this ADF fact sheet has heaps more info.

You can also contact PAMS, a state-wide online and telephone service that assists with advocacy and medication for people with buprenorphine and other opiate pharmacotherapy issues.