April 9, 2013
Management of Buprenorphine Side Effects
Alan A. Wartenberg, MD, FACP, FASAM
Tufts University School of Medicine
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Providence, RI
Buprenorphine, a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine, is a partial mu agonist and kappa antagonist that has been proven very useful in the office based management of opioid dependency. While it is an extremely safe drug when prescribed and used properly, like all medications it has the potential to produce adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Physicians prescribing buprenorphine should familiarize themselves with both common and unusual side effects of this medication.
This presentation will cover the mild, moderate and severe potential ADRs with buprenorphine. These include over sedation and overdose, precipitated withdrawal, and the common gastrointestinal, central nervous system, cardiovascular and other side effects of this medication. It will cover the anticipation of these potential events, as well as ways to prevent them. In addition, treatment strategies for the moderate to severe ADRs will be presented.
Drug-drug interactions, while relatively uncommon with buprenorphine (as compared to methadone), will also be presented, together with practical advice regarding patient education on avoiding interactions, as well as other potential side effects. The importance of ongoing inquiry into buprenorphine ADRs, as well as the need for ongoing patient education will be stressed.
View Dr. Wartenberg's presentation slides from this webinar.