Rapid Transition From Methadone to Buprenorphine Utilizing a Micro-dosing Protocol in the Outpatient Veteran Affairs Setting. Issue 5 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Aquino, Joao P.; Fairgrieve, Christopher; Klaire, Sukhpreet; Garcia-Vassallo, Gabriela
• Is Part Of: Journal of addiction medicine. Volume 14:Issue 5(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: buprenorphine induction -- medication-assisted treatment -- opioid addiction -- rapid titration; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000618
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-0620

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Alternative transition protocols from methadone to buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed to reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal and opioid use during induction. Methods: Case report (n = 1). Results: One patient with OUD underwent a rapid microinduction outpatient protocol that did not cause precipitated withdrawal or require preceding taper before cessation of methadone. The induction was carried out safely in the outpatient setting. Conclusions: This report provides a patient-centered approach demonstrating feasibility and cost-effectiveness of rapid transition to buprenorphine in the US outpatient psychiatry setting. Barriers to adherence to opioid agonist therapy may be reduced using this protocol.