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Buprenorphine
is the first medication for opioid maintenance and detoxification
that physicians can dispense in their private practice. Buprenorphine
is a partial agonist that blocks the effects of other opioids. Buprenorphine interacts in similar, but significantly different ways, at the same
mu receptors in the brain where heroin, methadone, and prescription
pain relievers such as oxycontin initiate their effects. This distinctive
pharmacology gives buprenorphine its safety margin and low potential
for diversion. It eliminates the major
motivation for opioid abuse by preventing withdrawal symptoms and
it produces less stimulation and physical dependence than full agonists.
It is available in two forms, alone (Subutex®)
or with naloxone (Suboxone®) and
it is administered sublingually.
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