A Within Subject Comparison of Opioid Withdrawal in Opioid Dependent Individuals

Summary

Buprenorphine is an approved medication for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is typically administered once daily as a sublingual tablet combined with naloxone (i.e., Suboxone). Evidence suggests buprenorphine produces relatively low levels of physical dependence. In addition, some research suggests there is relatively little withdrawal following cessation of chronically administered buprenorphine. This study will examine the spontaneous withdrawal associated with abrupt cessation of buprenorphine compared to morphine in opioid dependent individuals. This study will assess the characteristics and time course of withdrawal using subject-rated and observer-rated measures of opioid withdrawal. Physiologic measures and psychomotor performance will be collected during chronic opioid administration and during placebo administration (i.e., during spontaneous withdrawal). Particular attention will be paid to the differences (if any) in sleep disturbances and withdrawal associated hyperalgesia.

Timeline

Start

2010-07

Primary completion

2012-03

Completion

2012-03

Publications

• Results Tompkins DA, Smith MT, Mintzer MZ, Campbell CM, Strain EC. A double blind, within subject comparison of spontaneous opioid withdrawal from buprenorphine versus morphine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2014 Feb;348(2):217-26. doi: 10.1124/jpet.113.209478. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Drugs

Indications