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The Use of Intravenous Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Withdrawal in Medically Ill Hospitalized Patients
Author(s) -
Welsh Christopher J.,
Suman Meenakshi,
Cohen Art,
Broyles Lauren,
Bennett Melanie,
Weintraub Eric
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1080/105500490290087901
Subject(s) - buprenorphine , medicine , heroin , opioid , anesthesia , depression (economics) , emergency medicine , intensive care medicine , drug , psychiatry , receptor , economics , macroeconomics
The aim of this study was to assess the safety of buprenorphine administered intravenously for the treatment of opioid withdrawal in medically ill hospitalized patients. Data regarding demographic information, number of doses of buprenorphine, and measures of buprenorphine's effects were collected via chart reviews for 30 heroin‐dependent patients who received buprenorphine intravenously during their hospitalization for an acute medical problem. No respiratory depression was observed, and no patients reported feeling “high.” All patients reported that buprenorphine decreased withdrawal symptoms. Thus, intravenous administration of buprenorphine appears to be safe for the treatment of opioid withdrawal.