To review buprenorphine and explore its role in the treatment of heroin dependence.
Data Sources:
Articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966–February 2005) using the key terms buprenorphine, heroin, opioid, addiction, and methadone.
Data Synthesis:
Buprenorphine appears to provide potential advantages over methadone. Two Cochrane meta-analyses were evaluated on the use of buprenorphine in opioid dependence—one in the management of opioid dependence and the other in the management of opioid withdrawal.
Conclusions:
Buprenorphine offers several advantages for the treatment of heroin addiction. As maintenance treatment, buprenorphine is effective, but not more effective than methadone. In the management of opioid withdrawal, buprenorphine may be better tolerated than clonidine or methadone.
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