Author Question: What are three pharmacological characteristics of buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) or LAAM (Orlamm) ... (Read 59 times)

mrsjacobs44 · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

What are three pharmacological characteristics of buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) or LAAM (Orlamm) that would make them potentially useful in the treatment of heroin addiction?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

If improvement with psychostimulants is going to occur, it will become apparent ______________.

a. within 6 weeks.
b. within 4 weeks
c. within 3 days
d. immediately

zogaridan · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Buprenorphine is a mixed opiate agonist-antagonist and LAAM is an opiate agonist. Both block or reduce the reinforcing effects of heroin through cross-tolerance or actual receptor blockade, and they reduce the craving for heroin. They are reliably absorbed when taken orally and have a longer duration of action than methadone, so they only need to be administered one to three times a week. Their mood altering properties are minimal and the abstinence syndrome associated with these drugs, while protracted, is very mild, so they have a much lower abuse potential than heroin. The two formulations for buprenorphine (Subutex and Suboxone) are particularly useful because they can be prescribed in a physician's office, which will allow more patients the opportunity to access treatment. Also, as patients progress in therapy, their doctor may write a prescription for a take-home supply of the medication.

Answer to Question 2

b