Higher Doses of Buprenorphine Improve Treatment Retention for Opioid Use Disorder, Study Finds
Rhode Island – A recent study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse reveals that higher doses of the medication buprenorphine are associated with improved retention in treatment for opioid use disorder. The study, spanning from 2016 to 2020, examined patients in Rhode Island during the emergence of fentanyl as a widely available drug.
According to the findings, patients prescribed a lower dose of buprenorphine were 20% more likely to discontinue treatment compared to those on a higher dose. This suggests that higher doses of buprenorphine not only support the reduction in opioid use and overdose cases but also aid in recovery by decreasing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms.
These findings are significant, as they build upon previous evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of higher doses of buprenorphine in emergency department and outpatient treatment settings. However, the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply and the resulting increase in overdose deaths raise questions about the current dosing guidelines for buprenorphine recommended by the FDA.
Currently, the FDA suggests a target daily dose of 16 mg, but the study’s data reveal that patients prescribed a 24 mg dose were retained in treatment for a longer period compared to those prescribed the recommended target dose. This indicates the need to reevaluate clinical guidelines to optimize treatment and help individuals achieve recovery in the face of the fentanyl crisis.
To further assess the impact of daily buprenorphine doses and other factors associated with treatment retention, scientists plan to conduct a prospective randomized clinical trial. These findings have the potential to inform updates to opioid use disorder treatment standards.
For those seeking more information on substance and mental health treatment programs, the National Helpline can be contacted at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or by visiting their website at www.FindTreatment.gov. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting medical research to investigate the causes, treatments, and cures for diseases.
