[Buprenorphine as maintenance treatment in rehabilitation of heroin addicts]

Abstract

Background: Buprenorphine is used for maintenance treatment of opiate abusers.

Method: A literature review was carried out in order to describe buprenorphine's pharmacology, its clinical use in maintenance treatment, and its efficacy when compared to methadone.

Results: Buprenorphine is a partial agonist to the opiate mu-receptor and is therefore safer in overdose. The distress of abstinence is reduced compared to methadone. The potential for abuse is, however, considerable. Some patients may not be maintained well enough on buprenorphine.

Interpretation: Buprenorphine should be subject to the same considerations in maintenance treatment as methadone.