Buprenorphine Warnings

Buprenorphine is a long-acting opioid that can cause severe respiratory depression when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Buprenorphine, marketed under names including Suboxone, Subutex and Buprenex, can be used for pain management but is most often prescribed to treat opiate addiction. Access to the potent drug is restricted to curtail illegal diversion. In order to prescribe Suboxone and Subutex, doctors must first be approved to administer office-based treatment. This clearance must come from the Drug Enforcement Agency and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Buprenorphine is a long-acting opioid that can cause severe respiratory depression when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines. Abuse of buprenorphine is a serious problem and can lead to addiction, overdose or death. Its euphoric effects are attractive for recreational users and the drug is sometimes used as a heroin substitute.

Dangers Associated with Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine depresses the central nervous system. Other substances that have this effect include alcohol, other narcotics, sedatives, hypnotics, muscle relaxers and sleeping pills. Doctors must pay close attention before prescribing buprenorphine if patients are taking any of these medications. Doctors are encouraged to lessen the dose of one or both if patients must take buprenorphine at the same time as one of these substances. Addiction can happen quickly with regular or prolonged use. The same is true if the medication is misused or abused. Taking buprenorphine in any way that is outside the prescribed instructions can constitute misuse. Overdose, which can be potentially fatal, is also a concern for patients who take too much buprenorphine, mix it with other substances or take a high dose without being tolerant to opiates.

Waismann Method’s Opiate Detox Happens in the Safety of a Hospital

Though buprenorphine is often used to treat opiate addiction, it too has the potential to lead to dependence. This can happen among recreational users as well as those on long-term therapy. When patients become addicted to their prescription medication, it is hardly ever their fault. This can happen quickly once patients develop a tolerance to the drug and need to take more and more to get relief. Waismann Method has a program to reverse buprenorphine addiction, using intravenous medication to cleanse patients’ opiate receptors. This medical procedure takes less than two hours and happens in the safety of a hospital. Patients are sedated with light deep sedation during the procedure, which accelerates withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal is known to be difficult, and our process allows patients to be sedated while symptoms develop and pass. This is one of the keys to Waismann Method’s successful track record. Patients can be discharged in 3 to 6 days and can then return home opiate free. Many choose to transition for a short while in our Domus Retreat aftercare facility where they can continue recovery work.

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