Use of buprenorphine in the treatment of opiate addiction. I. Physiologic and behavioral effects during a rapid dose induction

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Abstract
A new, rapid dose-induction procedure was used in the evaluation of buprenorphine hydrochloride (buprenorphine) as a treatment for opiate dependence. Nineteen herion-dependent men were given buprenorphine sublingually in ascending daily doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg and then maintained on 8 mg daily. The observations of the transition from heroin to buprenorphine for the first 4 days are described. During this period, subjects reported significantly elevated ratings of "good effects" and feelings of "overall well-being" and decreased ratings of "overall sickness." Data from subscales of the Addition Research Center Inventory indicated increasing euphoria and decreasing dysphoria and sedation after buprenorphine administration. Subjects and observers consistently identified buprenorphine as as opiate and not as an opiate antagonist. These findings indicate that a rapid dose induction with buprenorphine is acceptable to heroin-dependent persons and that is causes minimal withdrawal symptoms.