Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a legal depressant drug that is used as a legal replacement for heroin or to support opiate withdrawal. Some people use Bup that was prescribed for other people, this is called ‘diverting’ – this is illegal.

In Australia buprenorphine generally comes in a tablet form or a film which is often crushed to dissolve more easily. Tablets are placed under the tongue to dissolve. Chewing or swallowing the tablet makes it less effective.

The effects of Buprenorphine are similar to other opiates: feelings of warmth, wellbeing, relaxation and sleepiness as well as nausea and sweating.

Buprenorphine has a slightly different effect compared to heroin and methadone. People who have used other opiates report that they don’t get as strong a hit and the effects seem to even off after a certain amount even at higher doses.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur if Buprenorphine is taken when other opiates are still in the symptoms. Also use of alcohol, marijuana and other depressants at the same time increase the risk of overdose.

An overdose of Buprenorphine can cause shallow or difficult breathing, bluish nails and lips, or an inability to be roused or woken. Call an ambulance if any of these symptoms occur. 

If you use buprenorphine it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

• Follow directions from your prescribing doctor, especially when just starting treatment

• Avoid injecting, especially when diverted

• Avoid mixing with other drugs, especially alcohol and other opiates

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts