Forms and Appearance
Buprenorphine hydrochloride in pure form is a white, crystalline powder.
Medical uses
Used for detoxification and maintenance treatment of opioid-dependent patients.
Short-term use (up to 1 mg) – has an analgesic effect, drowsiness, dizziness and headaches, hypertension, nausea and vomiting, sweating, respiratory depression
Effects of use
Short term use (more than 1 mg) – euphoria, nausea, constipation
Long term use – produces morphine-like subjective behavioural and physiological effects
Tolerance and dependence
Low levels of physical and psychological dependence occur. Tolerance to the side effects of sedation and drowsiness may develop.
Withdrawal
Symptoms are less intense than those associated with morphine. Abrupt termination of buprenorphine may produce mild withdrawal effects lasting 8–10 days.
Overdose
Not strongly linked to death by overdose.
Temgesic tablets contain the drug buprenorphine. They come in two strengths, 200 and 400 micrograms
Actual size of Temgesic tablets