An opioid agonist-antagonist analgesic medication approved for the treatment of opiate abuse. In the united states, a special federal waiver (granted to physicians who meet specified training requirements) is required to prescribe buprenorphine in the outpatient setting for the treatment of opioid addiction. Marketed under the brand name buprenex.
An opiate drug used in the relief of moderate to severe pain, and as an opioid substitute in treating drug addiction.
A narcotic painkiller used before and during surgery, dental surgery, and labor and delivery. Buprenorphine (Buprenex and others) acts in the central nervous system to relieve moderate to severe pain, but it can cause breathing problems. This drug can cause an impaired ability to drive.