Buprenorphine Overdose

Overdose on Buprenorphine ® occurs less often than overdose on other opiates, because Buprenorphine ® acts as a partial agonist (50%) with a ceiling effect (increasing doses produce progressively smaller, incremental effects).

Unintentional fatal drug overdose now rates as the second-leading cause of accidental death in the United States after automobile collision (according to the Center for Disease Control, 2004). CDC researchers believe prescription painkillers like Buprenorphine ® and opiate drugs, as well as sedatives, or when combined with alcohol, are the primary cause of the rate increase.

Caution with Buprenorphine ®

1. A Buprenorphine overdose cannot be easily reversed.
2. A Buprenorphine overdose is unlikely in patients with a tolerance to opioids and who use the sublingual drug.
3. A major risk of Buprenorphine overdose is unlikely in people on medium- to long-term maintenance only if the drug is used as prescribed.
4. Respiratory depression is the most severe and serious adverse reaction (fatal) associated with opioid overuse (in general).
5. Buprenorphine ® behaves differently than other opioids in this respect, as it shows a ceiling effect for respiratory depression.⁽ⁱ⁾

Buprenorphine Overdose Symptoms

Obtain immediate emergency help if any of the following overdose symptoms ever occur.

Danger signs of acute Buprenorphine overdose:

• Cold, clammy skin
• Coma
• Extreme weakness
• Fainting
• Hypotension
• Pinpoint pupils
• Respiratory depression
• Sedation
• Shortness of breath
• Slowed breathing

Buprenorphine ® acts differently than other opioids, which show the following, additional overdose symptoms:

• Convulsions or seizures
• Dark urine
• Diarrhea
• Increased or unusual sweating
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Prolonged nausea or vomiting
• Severe confusion
• Severe dizziness
• Severe drowsiness
• Severe nervousness or restlessness
• Slow heartbeat
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Yellowing eyes or skin

The wrong combination of doctor-prescribed drugs can prove lethal. The accidental deaths of celebrities and common individuals alike serve as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at a low dosage.

If you suspect a Buprenorphine overdose, immediately contact your local emergency room or poison control center. U.S. residents can call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

• In managing a Buprenorphine overdose, high doses of naloxone hydrochloride (10‑35 mg/70 kg) may render limited value.
• The respiratory stimulant Doxapram also has reported use.
• Do not administer Suboxone ® and Subutex to patients who have a hypersensitivity to Buprenorphine ®.
• Do not administer Suboxone ® to patients who have a hypersensitivity to naloxone.

Are You Addicted to Buprenorphine ®?

• Feel physically ill, when you stop taking Buprenorphine ®.
• Require more pills to achieve the same, desired effect.
• Take Buprenorphine ® in larger doses or more often than prescribed.
• Sense guilt or shame associated with your Buprenorphine use.
• Suddenly loose the will and pleasure of simple things in life.
• Become indifferent to the enjoyment of family, sex, or going out.
• Juggle various prescribing doctors or emergency rooms.
• Commit illicit acts to buy Buprenorphine ®.
• Purchase on the street to maintain your supply.
• Have been told your Buprenorphine use is excessive.
• Sense those who care about you feel concerned about your use.
• Affect the whole family adversely, other than yourself.

If you replied "Yes" to any of the above points, your Buprenorphine misuse has hit a dangerous, addictive level. Talk to your physician or a medical counselor about help. The longer you wait the more difficult it is to kick the Buprenorphine habit.

Taking Buprenorphine for pain relief or drug maintenance has wound up as a Buprenorphine addiction for many with an opiate dependency. If you, or someone you know, increasingly self-administers Buprenorphine ® or other opiate-based drugs ⁽ⁱⁱ⁾, please seek medical advice for detoxification now.

The Waismann Method of rapid detoxification treats individuals who have a physical opiate drug or Buprenorphine overdose dependency.

“I am not more powerful than that drug. I was in the right place at the right time, God spared me an accidental overdose and my family supported me,” admits Oxycontin patient Betts.

Read Dr. Clifford Bernstein’s comments in the article, "Misinterpreting Buprenorphine as Miracle Cure for Opiate Dependency."

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