How Buprenorphine Works

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. At low to moderate doses, it causes euphoria or respiratory depression. However, the effects of buprenorphine are weaker than those of full opioid agonists such as methadone and heroin.

Buprenorphine is both safe and effective when used as directed. Buprenorphine has distinct pharmacological properties that enable it to:

• Reduce the effects of physical opioid dependency, such as withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• Increased safety in overdose cases
• Reduce the possibility of misuse