In the last post we discussed some of the misconceptions about tapering off opioids. Today we will discuss a couple basic principles, and then describe the approach I recommend for my patients tapering off buprenorphine. Opioids act at receptors that normally bind endorphins, which are released by neurons in response to a range of stimuli … [Read more…]
First Posted 1/26/2014 I recently answered a post at SuboxForum by a member who asked what to expect from rapid detox from opioids, and specifically from buprenorphine. My reply: Several of my current buprenorphine patients have been through rapid detox at some point in their past. Their stories are so similar that it becomes difficult … [Read more…]
Firsted Posted 1/8/2014 I received an email today containing an angry comment about Suboxone/buprenorphine that I’ve read a number of times before on forums about addiction. The essence of the comment was that Suboxone has caused tons of problems, including diversion, people stuck on the medication, and buprenorphine abuse. He wrote that the reason for … [Read more…]
First Posted 10/6/2013 I attended the US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress meeting last week and actually attended the meetings (the event was held in Las Vegas), but I was disappointed by the absence of lectures about addiction. There are other mental health groups geared more toward addiction, but one would think that psychiatry would maintain … [Read more…]