TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparison of buprenorphine and methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence
AU - Strain, Eric C.
AU - Stitzer, Maxine L.
AU - Liebson, Ira A.
AU - Bigelow, George E.
PY - 1994/7
Y1 - 1994/7
N2 - Objective: This study compared the efficacy of buprenorphine and methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence. Method: Participants (N=164) were relatively treatment-naive, opioid-dependent applicants to a 26-week treatment program who were randomly assigned to either methadone or buprenorphine treatment. Dosing was double-blind and double-dummy. Patients were stabilized on a regimen of either methadone, 50 mg, or buprenorphine, 8 mg, with dose changes possible through week 16 of treatment. Urine samples were collected three times a week, and weekly counseling was provided. Results: Buprenorphine (mean dose=8.9 mg/day) and methadone (mean dose=54 mg/day) were equally effective in sustaining retention in treatment, compliance with medication, and counseling regimens. In both groups, 56% of patients remained in treatment through the 16-week flexible dosing period. Overall opioid-positive urine sample rates were 55% and 47% for buprenorphine and methadone groups, respectively; cocaine-positive urine sample rates were 70% and 58%. Evidence was obtained for the effectiveness of dose increases in suppressing opioid, but not cocaine, use among those who received dose increases. Conclusions: The results of this study provide further support for the utility of buprenorphine as a new medication in the treatment of opioid dependence and demonstrate efficacy equivalent to that of methadone when used during a clinically guided flexible dosing procedure.
AB - Objective: This study compared the efficacy of buprenorphine and methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence. Method: Participants (N=164) were relatively treatment-naive, opioid-dependent applicants to a 26-week treatment program who were randomly assigned to either methadone or buprenorphine treatment. Dosing was double-blind and double-dummy. Patients were stabilized on a regimen of either methadone, 50 mg, or buprenorphine, 8 mg, with dose changes possible through week 16 of treatment. Urine samples were collected three times a week, and weekly counseling was provided. Results: Buprenorphine (mean dose=8.9 mg/day) and methadone (mean dose=54 mg/day) were equally effective in sustaining retention in treatment, compliance with medication, and counseling regimens. In both groups, 56% of patients remained in treatment through the 16-week flexible dosing period. Overall opioid-positive urine sample rates were 55% and 47% for buprenorphine and methadone groups, respectively; cocaine-positive urine sample rates were 70% and 58%. Evidence was obtained for the effectiveness of dose increases in suppressing opioid, but not cocaine, use among those who received dose increases. Conclusions: The results of this study provide further support for the utility of buprenorphine as a new medication in the treatment of opioid dependence and demonstrate efficacy equivalent to that of methadone when used during a clinically guided flexible dosing procedure.
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U2 - 10.1176/ajp.151.7.1025
DO - 10.1176/ajp.151.7.1025
M3 - Article
C2 - 8010359
AN - SCOPUS:0028306328
SN - 0002-953X
VL - 151
SP - 1025
EP - 1030
JO - American Journal of Psychiatry
JF - American Journal of Psychiatry
IS - 7
ER -