​About Buprenorphine

What is Buprenorphine?
  • Buprenorphine is a substance use disorder medication that is used to treat opioid addiction. Similar to methadone, buprenorphine suppresses withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to lead normal lives. Buprenorphine is different from methadone as it is a partial agonist. This means that, like other opioids, it produces effects such as euphoria or respiratory depression. However, with buprenorphine, these effects are weaker than those of full drugs such as heroin and methadone. 

How to Use Buprenorphine Safely

  • The buprenorphine sublingual film/tablet should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Patients should not chew the tablet or swallow it whole

How Buprenorphine Works
  • Buprenorphine helps diminish the physical dependency signs to opioids
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Potential Side Effects of Buprenorphine
  • Nausea, vomiting and constipation
  • Muscle aches and cramps
  • Inability to sleep
  • Distress and irritability
  • Fever 












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