Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine: A New Therapy for Detoxification from Heroine or Painkiller

Buprenorphine (BUPE) is an opioid drug used for detoxing addicts from highly addictive opioids. The chemical formula for BUPE is:

C29H41NO4. The IUPAC chemical name is (2S)-2-[(-)-(5R,6R,7R,14S)-9α-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5-epoxy—6,14-ethanomorphinan-7-yl]-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol .

Detoxing at home from heroine or opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone (painkillers) is now a real option. Buprenorphine, also called BUPE for short, is a therapeutic drug that makes this possible. The Drug Act of 2000 and approval from the Federal Drug Administration has made BUPE available only by prescription. A physician has to determine the appropriateness of a patient’s particular needs and situation before administering BUPE for detoxing. Services called “locators” are available so that a patient, or someone that can act on their behalf, is able to locate a physician who can prescribe BUPE. Physicians are limited in the number of patients for whom they can prescribe BUPE. A Federal waiver is required to prescribe BUPE for a detox procedure. Physicians certified to administer BUPE are limited working with up to 30 patients at a time on an outpatient basis.

How Buprenorphine works
Buprenorphine acts in the body much like opioids do, except patients very rarely develop a tolerance to the drug. In most cases, an increase in dosage above 16-32 mg may result in a decrease in analgesic effects. For this reason, BUPE dosage can remain at a moderate constant and even be reduced without any physical or psychological discomfort for the patient. The typical treatment period is several months, as opposed too the indefinite period of time with methadone detoxing.

Buprenorphine’s analgesic effect is due to partial agonist activity at the μ-opioid receptors. Agonists are chemicals that arouse the opiate receptors. Since buprenorphine is a partial agonist, it will quickly bind to the opiate receptors. BUPE powers up these receptors to a minimum degree creating fewer and much less intense side effects. This is in contrast to the full agonist activity produced by morphine. Dosage can be incrementally decreased without severe discomfort or even withdrawal in subjects. However, BUPE has a strong binding affinity to the μ receptor and as such, its’ effects are not easily neutralized by receptor antagonists such as naloxone. For this reason, an abstinence period in multiples of the given half-life of the opioid dependency substance is required before starting a regiment of treatment.

Buprenorphine Research and Facts

After some clinical trials starting in the early 1990’s, it was found that BUPE greatly reduced research participants craving for heroine. Some additional interesting facts about Buprenorphine:

BUPE is safe under the careful supervision of a physician
 It is now the fourth medication available for detoxing from opiates along with naltrexone, methadone and LAAM (1-alpha-acetyl-methadol)

BUPE does not create significant damage to effected organs of the human body.

BUPE has less euphoric like effects, less sedation and respiratory depression.

 Treatment and recovery takes less time.

 Craving opiates will soon reduce after treatment with BUPE

 One of several studies in the 1990’s found that treatment with Buprenorphine reduced heroine cravings dramatically over a four-week period and after 12 weeks the cravings of several participants were at very low levels.

BUPE treatment for detox is effective and allows the patient to return home shortly after an assessment, a full physical examination and education on the medicinal protocols for detoxing.

Doing some research and utilizing the locator service, anyone interested in this method of detoxing can find a reputable center to provide this treatment procedure. Be sure to check out the center of your choice thoroughly.

When communicating with a facility that provides BUPE detox services, be sure to ask about their experience and accreditation. Inquire about the procedure itself and ask for any details or clarifications on how the procedure works:

 How much time does it take to detox off the drug? This may sound like an odd question to ask because each individual is different but this question will not upset a reputable provider. They will offer you as much information they can at the time and carefully explain that after a thorough assessment, they will be able to give a more definitive answer. You want to hear this answer as it shows thoughtful consideration to your individual needs.

 Is there support available after I leave the initial assessment and physical check-up and I am sent home?

 What do I need to do to prepare for this procedure?

These are just a few questions that can be asked. Whether an addict or a loved seeking help for the addict or a professional considering this option for a client, there is no such thing as asking too many questions.

The heroine or opiate addict now has an additional alternative for detoxing. BUPE eliminates withdrawals and treatment takes less time. Opiate substance abusers can carry-on with their daily routine while in treatment for opioid detoxing.

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