Is it possible to abuse buprenorphine medication?
When buprenorphine is used as prescribed, by placing it under the tongue, it produces less stimulation and physical dependence than full agonist medications like methadone. The “high” effect of buprenorphine peaks at a lower level in comparison with methadone and other full agonist medications, no matter how much of buprenorphine is used, thereby reducing its abuse potential. There were reports of misuse of buprenorphine when injected into the body in Europe. To circumvent the illicit diversion of the medication it is combined with naloxone, an opioid antagonist. As long as the medication is used as prescribed by placing it under the tongue only buprenorphine will be absorbed. However, crushing the tablet and injecting it into the body causes the absorption of naloxone into the body, which will trigger a precipitated withdrawal effect and the person becomes very sick. Q: How do I find physicians who are trained to prescribe buprenorphine? A: The lists of the physicians are on line at t
