Buprenorphine ® is
a synthetic narcotic analgesic used
to manage from chronic moderate to acute
pain, and for perioperative conditions.
The analgesic
comes in two forms – tablets and a transdermal
patch. Those who misuse the drug often inject
it intravenously or inhale the crushed tablets
through the nose. Strong warnings urge users
not to crush, chew or inject the sublingual
tablets.
Buprenorphine Uses
Buprenorphine ® comes
in tablet (sublingual) and transdermal patch
form, although some misuse includes intravenous
injection and nasal inhalation of crushed
tablets. Injectable formulation comes under the
brand name of Buprenex for the treatment
of pain.
An opioid narcotic, Buprenorphine is used
to treat opiate dependence but can also become
addictive.
Buprenorphine works by attaching to the receptors
in the brain and nervous system. It helps prevent
withdrawal symptoms in those who have stopped
taking other narcotics like Oxycontin or heroin.
Buprenorphine Side
Effects
Those who are allergic to any ingredient in
Buprenorphine should not take it. You should
also avoid taking the drug if you are taking
sodium oxybate (GHB). Buprenorphine should
not be taken with alcohol or while taking other
medications that cause drowsiness.
Children under 16 should not take Buprenorphine
and caution should be taken with elderly users
who may be more sensitive to the effects. The
elderly should watch for signs of decreased
breathing and drowsiness. It is also thought
to be harmful to fetuses and could be passed
on in breast milk.
Possible side effects include:
Chills
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
Nausea
Insomnia
Sweating
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Weakness
Severe side effects reported include:
Yellowing
of the eyes and skin
severe allergic reaction
anxiety
nervousness
dark urine
mood
or mental changes
Pale stools
slow and
shallow breathing
Serious complications or death could result
from taking Buprenorphine with central nervous
system depressants such as tranquilizers and
sedatives.
Buprenorphine Withdrawals
For those who stop taking Buprenorphine suddenly,
withdrawal symptoms could include:
anxiety
diarrhea
fever
sneezing
runny nose
goose bumps
abnormal skin sensations
vomiting
nausea
pain
rigid muscles
rapid heartbeat
shivering
tremors
sweating
and insomnia.
Buprenorphine Abuse
Some have reported hallucinations; seeing,
hearing and feeling things that were not there.
Suboxone, which contains Buprenorphine, is
available in 2 mg and 8 mg doses. The drug
is used recreationally by opiate addicts and
can cause feelings of euphoria and increased
talking.
Because of the addictive nature of opiates
including Buprenorphine, Suboxone, Fentanyl,
Methadone and Oxycontin, extreme care should
be taken when prescribed. Unfortunately, the
illicit drug trade and black market for such
products makes them all the more dangerous.
Buprenorphine should never be taken without
a valid prescription. Taking more than the
recommended dose could result in an overdose.
Please seek help immediately if you experience
shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness or unusual
dizziness.
Using an opiate to treat an opiate addiction
may work for some, but is not effective for
everyone. Detoxing from narcotics can cause
extreme anxiety and withdrawal symptoms if
not approached properly. Medically-supervised
detox programs are often recommended to help
wean users from dangerous opiates.
Get
Buprenorphine Help Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your Buprenorphine dependency
and get your life back -
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.