Effects of buprenorphine sublingual tablet maintenance on opioid drug-seeking behavior by humans
Abstract
Buprenorphine can decrease opioid self-administration by humans and animals, but its ability to decrease drug-seeking behavior and craving (i.e. motivational measures) among outpatient volunteers using clinically relevant dosing schedules has not been extensively studied. We investigated whether daily versus alternating-day administration of high versus low buprenorphine doses influenced choice of, and operant responding for, hydromorphone versus money. Fourteen heroin-dependent outpatients were maintained under four buprenorphine sublingual tablet (double blind) dose conditions using a within-subject, randomized crossover design. All participants received, for 2 weeks each, buprenorphine doses of 2 mg daily, 4 mg/placebo on alternating days, 16 mg daily, and 32 mg/placebo on alternating days. In each laboratory test session, participants chose between money ($2/choice) and drug (1/8 of total hydromorphone, 4 or 24 mg IM in different sessions) alternatives using an eight-trial non-independent progressive ratio schedule (FR 100, 200,.12,800). The drug dose and money amount earned was delivered after the end of the 2.5-h work period. Hydromorphone 24 mg was more reinforcing than 4 mg. Higher versus lower average buprenorphine dos...Continue Reading
Citations
Recommendations for buprenorphine and methadone therapy in opioid use disorder: a European consensus
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