Buprenorphine refers to a prescription narcotic which is used for the treatment of heroin addiction. Although some people might think that it is illogical to treat an opiate addiction with the use of another opiate, this treatment method is actually effective in lessening the symptoms of physical and psychological dependence to heroin. In addition, this drug is also used for the treatment of severe or chronic pain.

Buprenorphine can treat heroin addiction, mainly because it can prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring when a person addicted to heroin suddenly stopped using it. Additionally, this medication is also effective because it can block the narcotic effects of heroin and would prevent the user from being high on that drug when he used it. Because the person doesn’t experience anymore the “high” that heroin can usually provide, it will enable the drug user to make changes in his life without having to suffer from debilitating physical symptoms.

The main advantage of this prescription drug is that it is a potent partial agonist that can be effective even at low dosages. The term partial agonist means that this medication can compete with other opiate drugs for available cellular receptor sites that allow the body to respond to opiods. With this, low dosages of this drug can lessen or eradicate the cravings of addicted drug users. Compared to other opiates, buprenorphine produces lesser side effects and is also not so addictive.

Some of the common side effects of this medication include nausea, constipation, vomiting, sweating, muscle cramps, irritability, insomnia, and distress. This prescription narcotic drug is most effective for resolving heroin addiction when it is used in combination with a comprehensive treatment plan. There are various factors that contribute to heroin dependency, which is why the treatment plan must also involve counseling and the establishment of a support network.