Opioid use disorder affects over 26 million individuals worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that 2.4 million people suffer from opioid use disorder.
Buprenorphine is an opioid receptor partial agonist and is available as a sublingual or buccal tablets or films, as well as a skin patch (indicated for pain management) and extended-release injectable formulations.1
When taken as directed, these medications are highly effective, enabling a large proportion of patients to achieve either abstinence or a substantial reduction in opioid use, also reducing the risk of overdose if a patient uses opioids. However, most people with opioid use disorder are not receiving medication treatment. This is a gap that urgently needs to be met. buprenorphine is currently the most widely prescribed medication for opioid use disorder and is considered very safe.1
Buprenorphine was first approved for clinical use as an analgesic for acute and post-operative pain. Buprenorphine is particularly relevant for individuals with comorbid pain and opioid use disorder as buprenorphine may be helpful as a treatment for both. Often, pain and opioid use are interrelated, meaning many patients start using opioids to reduce their pain levels.1
Abrupt cessation of opioid can cause major withdrawal symptoms for most people that have taken opioids for a longer period of time.
Some opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
. Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting,
cramping)
. Sweating
. Chills
. Pain
. Anxiety
. Tremors
. Dilated pupils
Many specialists treat opioid use disorder by tapering off the medication dosage and including treatment such as buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine is effective for treatment of pain and medically supervised withdrawal or maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder. Studies indicate that Buprenorphine improves treatment retention and decreases opioid use.1
Richard J. Capiola, MD
With triple board certification in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and forensic psychiatry, Dr. Richard J. Capiola has been in practice for 27 years. During his training at Tulane Medical School and UCLA, Dr. Capiola developed a keen interest in the treatment of depression and anxiety overlapping with drug and alcohol abuse. This focus led to his role as chief medical officer for Oglethorpe Inc., which specializes in the treatment of mental health and addiction. He has been instrumental in the clinical development and oversight of 12 specialty treatment centers in five states.
Dr. Capiola’s specialties include adult and adolescent psychiatry, treatment of anxiety, depression, and substance use problems, and forensic psychiatry, where he evaluates patients with legal issues related to mental health.
Dr. Capiola is the chief of psychiatry for Physicians Regional Medical Center and was the medical director for the Wilough at Naples for many years. He’s served 10 years with The Joint Commission, which evaluates hospitals nationwide for quality of care and safety.
Dr. Capiola was the featured neuropsychiatrist in the recent book “Don’t Give Up On Me” with Darryl Strawberry. His confidential private practice focuses on using each individual’s inherent strengths to achieve the goal of living a healthy, well-balanced life.
Richard J. Capiola, MD
239.649.7494
704 Goodlette Frank Road North, Suite 222
Naples, Florida 34102
Source:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6585403/