Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opiate manufactured purely for medical use. It provides similar effects to heroin, however only partially activates the opiate receptors within the nervous system, producing a milder effect with both less sedation and less euphoria compared to Methadone. The drug depresses the nervous system, thus slowing down body functioning, reducing both psychological and physical pain. The effects can start quickly and can last several hours.

With high doses, the sedative effect can make users feel sleepy, which in some instances can comatose the user and reduce breathing. Research has linked buprenorphine use to problems with pregnancy and child birth, however suddenly stopping a programme if a user falls pregnant can cause premature labour. Despite its relatively safer profile buprenorphine can be subject to misuse.

Buprenorphine can be found in tablet form for dissolving under the tongue, or liquid form prepared for injection. Low-dose tablet form can be prescribed for pain relief under the brand name Temgesic, whereas high-dose tablets prescribed for opiate dependence are branded as Subutex. When used illegally the drug can also be crushed and then snorted.

Medically speaking Buprenorphine is considered to be safer than Methadone in terms of risk of overdose, and because of its milder effects is considered less likely to be diverted onto the illegal market. However an EU report noted the use of buprenorphine as a treatment appears to be significantly less the methadone.

Using buprenorphine in conjunction with other sedatives such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates can have serious consequences that can result in respiratory problems and overdose.

Concateno can offer a test for buprenorphine in oral fluid, hair and urine

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