Robert Castan is a member of the Executive Leadership Team at SpringBoard Recovery. Robert started his professional career as a house manager and has become an industry leader and trusted voice in the treatment world. He brings extensive knowledge of organizational growth, industry-leading outcomes, and comprehensive marketing to SpringBoard Recovery. Robert has been walking his own path of recovery for over 10 years. This path has truly driven his ambition to help make treatment available to others who are struggling with addiction. Robert finds great joy in traveling and keeping physically active, with an emphasis on biking. Robert resides in Arizona with his husband and two four-legged children.
What is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is a “partial opioid agonist” used to treat opioid addiction as well as acute and chronic pain.
- Its effects are lesser than heroin and methadone
- It suppresses withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- It has a low risk of abuse and accidental overdose
Buprenorphine long-term effect
Buprenorphine has been shown to have a positive effect on recovery in the long-term for those suffering from an addiction. Most people find it disappointing as a recreational drug and it has a ceiling effect, so taking more doesn’t increase euphoria.
Research shows that buprenorphine eases withdrawal symptoms and pain. It has a designation as only one of three medicines that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves for treating opioid use disorder.
Buprenorphine helps people reduce or quit their use of heroin and other opiates such as pain relievers. Some of its pharmacological qualities help lower the potential for misuse, and it increases safety in cases of overdose. With the ability to diminish withdrawal symptoms and cravings, it can also produce euphoria as well as respiratory depression but to a lesser degree than heroin and methadon.
Looking for help with an opioid addiction?
Buprenorphine side effects
While medical authorities confirm the safety of using buprenorphine as an effective treatment for opiate addiction, it can produce side effects that resemble those of opioids.
Typical side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Fever
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Insomnia
- Cravings
Serious side effects
- Slowed breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Hives and skin rash
- Unusual bruising
Evaluating the safety of Buprenorphine
The effects of buprenorphine can last long enough to allow patients the liberty to not use every day. However, the potential for misuse can represent a significant danger for someone who has no opioid dependency. With the addition of naloxone to buprenorphine, the likelihood of “diversion and misuse” of the combined product decreases. Patients need to inform their physician about any liver-related health issues as these can worsen with use.
Anyone who uses buprenorphine needs to follow precautions regarding mixing medications without a doctor’s approval. Danger exists when taking illegal drugs, sedatives, tranquilizers or any drug that affects breathing. SAMHSA guidelines indicate that mixing other medications in large amounts with buprenorphine can lead to overdose or death. To make buprenorphine safe to use over the long term, patients need to observe recommended precautions.
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Author: Robert Castan
APRIL 18, 2019
