Buprenex
Buprenex is an agonist-antagonist analgesic designed for treating moderate to severe pain and is intended for intravenous or intramuscular injection. Buprenex was approved by the FDA in 1985, and is a low dose of the narcotic buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine is also used in the drugs Subutex and Suboxone, two drugs approved in 2002 for treatment of opioid addiction. Unlike these two drugs, Buprenex is not for use of opioid addiction, but for treating those in chronic pain and is often used to replace morphine.
Buprenex is a partial agnonist, but it behaves like an agonist, such as morphine, and its effects tend to relieve pain longer than morphine. Buprenex has an opiate-like euphoric effect, and because Buprenex has opioid properties and in some cases, can be addictive. The addictive qualities of the drug are mainly psychological; studies reveal little physical dependence upon withdrawal of Buprenex.
The FDA recommends that the drug not be used to treat opioid addiction, and further, that the drug not be administered to those living with or recovering from addiction. Use of Buprenex by an individual addicted to narcotics can result in withdrawal symptoms.
At Lakeview Health Systems, we understand the complications of opioid addictions, and are here to help you recover. Talk to a professional who can help 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-657-4357.
The injection of Buprenex is usually administered at a doctor's office, a hospital, or a clinic. Some health care providers allow clients to use Buprenex at home, following specific injection procedures.
Individuals should maintain a steady dose of Buprenex, and should avoid missing a dose. Buprenex should never be used more than one dose at a time. Side effects of Buprenex include:
- Increase or decrease in blood pressure
- Increase or decrease in pulse rate
- Decrease of respiratory rate on rare occasions
- Drowsiness
- Nausea, dizziness or vertigo
- Sweating, headache
- Vomiting
- Miosis (constriction of pupils)
Lakeview Health Systems rehabilitation programs are designed to help you conquer any addiction. We offer a detoxification program, rehabilitation, family recovery program and art and recreational therapies to help you or a loved one live a drug-free life. Call us at 1-800-657-4357.
As of June, 2006, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported that little abuse of Buprenex had been reported or documented in the United States. However, as with any drug, Buprenex does have some health risks, especially when taken with other medications.
Taking Buprenex with some benzodiazepines (psychoactive drugs such as Valium or Lexotan) can cause severe drowsiness or breathing problems and can increase the chance of seizures. Combining Buprenex with Naltrexone can decrease the effectiveness of Buprenex, as well as combining the medication with methadone.
For help with addiction and drug abuse, turn to Lakeview Health Systems. We offer state-of-the-art drug detoxification and rehabilitation, all in a sunny Florida setting. For more information on our programs, call us at 1-800-657-4357 or visit us at http://www.lakeviewhealth.com.
