Rapid detoxification of heroin dependence by buprenorphine.
AIM
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of buprenorphine (Bup) in treatment of acute heroin withdrawal.


METHODS
Bup was given sublingually daily to 60 cases of heroin addicts in 3 groups: low, medium, and high doses. Withdrawal signs and symptoms of heroin were rated by Clinical Institute Narcotic Assessment. Craving for heroin during detoxification was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale. The side effects of Bup was assessed by Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale.


RESULTS
The mean daily consumption of Bup in low, medium, and high group was 2.0, 2.9, and 3.6 mg, respectively. Bup not only suppressed objective signs and withdrawal symptoms for heroin withdrawal, but also reduced the duration for heroin detoxification over 7-8 d.


CONCLUSION
Bup is an effective and rapid detoxification agent with fewer side effects for treatment of acute heroin withdrawal.