NCJ Number
164698
Journal
American Journal on Addictions Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1996) Pages: 220-230
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Pharmacological response criteria were used to determine the therapeutic dose range of buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate drug dependence.
Abstract
One hundred consecutively admitted patients with opiate addiction were followed for 16 weeks while receiving a daily, double-blinded buprenorphine dose between 4 and 32 milligrams. Pharmacological response was determined in terms of a composite score that reflected urine toxicology, clinic attendance, and withdrawal or toxicity symptomatology. Results revealed that 34 participants met pharmacological response criteria at an average daily dose of 14.6 milligrams, plus or minus 6.5 milligrams. Thus, the therapeutic dose was somewhat higher than that used in recent efficacy studies. Figures and 24 references (Author abstract modified)