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Buprenorphine

Generic Name: Buprenorphine

Brand Names: Subutex, Sublocade, Belbuca

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used for opioid use disorder treatment and chronic pain.

Addiction MedicinePainPartial Opioid Agonist

What It's Used For

Buprenorphine is prescribed for:

Partial agonist with ceiling effect on respiratory depression.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia

Serious side effects:

  • Respiratory depression (especially with benzodiazepines)
  • Precipitated withdrawal if started too early
  • Hepatotoxicity

Additional Information

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used for opioid use disorder treatment and chronic pain.

Ceiling Effect

Partial agonist activity provides a ceiling on respiratory depression, making it safer than full agonists.

X-Waiver Eliminated

As of 2023, DEA X-waiver is no longer required to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

Learn more at MedlinePlus.

Related Health Conditions

This medication is commonly used to treat or manage the following conditions:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, stemming from complex interactions between genetics, brain differences, and environmental factors, not poor parenting.

Learn More

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health condition and medical history.

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