Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid dependence
1Rhine Clinics Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 174, 45147 Essen, Germany. eugen.davids@uni-essen.de
Abstract:
Buprenorphine has become of increasing interest to be an alternative to methadone in the treatment of heroin addicts. The aim of the paper is to review, from a clinical perspective, the current status of what is known about the pharmacology of buprenorphine, with a particular emphasis on the issues of maintenance therapy in heroin addiction. A systematic review of published follow-up data, from observational and experimental studies was done. Electronic databases Medline and PSYNDEXplus were searched from their earliest entries. Buprenorphine appears to be a well-tolerated drug, with a benign overall side effect. Buprenorphine is an additional treatment option for heroin dependent patients, especially for those who do not wish to start or continue with methadone or for those who do not seem to benefit from adequate dosages of methadone.
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Drug Dependence
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

