Abstract
Objectives. To describe both, the clinical efficacy of buprenorphine in the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence and the most relevants aspects of the clinical use. Material and methods. This review describes the most relevant studies that have evaluated the efficacy of burprenorphine as maintenance treatment of opioid dependence, compared to placebo and other opiate treatments. Other indication for which buprenorphine has been studied are described. Results. Buprenorphine is an opiate that has demonstrated efficacy in the maintenance treatment of opiate dependent patients when compared to placebo as well as to other opiate treatments (methadone, L-alpha-acetyl-methadol [LAAM], morphine and heroin). Buprenorphine is a safe and well tolerated drug and can be used as fixed or flexible doses, which means that is easy to start the treatment and carry on it. Conclusions. Buprenorphine is effective in the treatment of opiate addiction, in maintenance or detoxification programs, specially in patients with affective disorders comorbidity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 77-87 |
| Journal | Trastornos Adictivos |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2008 |
Keywords
- Buprenorphine
- Clinical utility
- Efficacy
- Opiate dependence