Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for opiate dependence. Prisoners with histories of opiate dependence who are inducted on buprenorphine prior to release are at decreased risk of post-release relapse and overdose, yet many clinicians are unaware of the risks related to buprenorphine induction for non-opiate tolerant patients, especially those on other psychotropic medications. The authors report a case of probable non-lethal overdose during dose induction of a non-tolerant prisoner and discuss appropriate dosing under similar circumstances.
(C) 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. (Source: Addictive Disorders and Their Treatment)