Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder

To begin treatment, an OUD patient must be in the early stages of opioid withdrawal and have abstained from using opioids for at least 12 to 24 hours. Acute withdrawal may occur in patients who have opioids in their bloodstream or who are not in the early stages of withdrawal.

If necessary, the dose of buprenorphine may be adjusted after a patient has stopped or greatly reduced their opioid use, no longer has cravings, and is experiencing few, if any, side effects. Because buprenorphine is a long-acting agent, patients may be able to switch from daily to alternate-day dosing once stabilized.

The duration of treatment with buprenorphine is tailored to each patient's needs, and in some cases, treatment can be indefinite. Individuals can engage in ongoing treatment—with or without MAT—to avoid relapse.