关键词：急诊；医疗服务；药物；阿片类治疗
摘 要：Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. A properly prescribed dose of buprenorphine can help opioid-addicted individuals to stop misusing opioids without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Although buprenorphine is itself an opioid, and can thus have the same effects as other opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone), its maximum effects are less than those of other opioids. Therefore, with buprenorphine there is a decreased risk of abuse, addiction, and side effects compared with other opioids. Buprenorphine was approved for use in the United States for the treatment of opioid dependence in 2002 and is primarily available in two formulations: one that contains only buprenorphine (Subutex) and one that contains buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone). Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses and prevents buprenorphine from being misused by injection. Most of the buprenorphine used for treatment in the United States is the buprenorphine-naloxone formulation, which can be prescribed by certified physicians. In this report, buprenorphine refers to both formulations of the drug. Availability of buprenorphine is less restricted than other treatments for opioid dependence, such as methadone, which can only be administered in specialized clinics. Although this availability can increase access to treatment, it can also increase the potential for diversion and misuse by those who are not opioid dependent. Such use can lead to buprenorphine dependence or abuse.