Is Buprenorphine a Narcotic?

Get Help Now 800-934-1582 Sponsored

Buprenorphine is considered a narcotic, although its status as a partial agonist makes it less likely to be abused when compared to other drugs in the same class. However, if you have been abusing this medication–or another type of opioid–and need treatment, it is important to seek help by calling 800-934-1582(Sponsored) today.

Buprenorphine and Its Drug Class

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Buprenorphine is in a class of medications called opioid partial agonist-antagonists.” Although Buprenorphine is considered a narcotic and regulated by the DEA, it is different from other narcotics for several reasons.

• The drug itself produces the same effects that other opioids do, including pain relief, respiratory depression, and, when taken in large doses, euphoria because it works on the opioid receptors in the brain.
• When buprenorphine is used, it produces opioid effects in much weaker amounts than full opioid agonists do. For example, methadone will create more intense effects than buprenorphine at their respective optimal doses.
• Buprenorphine also has a ceiling effect, which means that increasing the dose beyond a certain point does not produce stronger effects.
• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “This ‘ceiling effect’ lowers the risk of misuse, dependency and side effects.”

Buprenorphine is becoming a popular street drug.

What Drug Schedule is Buprenorphine?

Any product containing buprenorphine, as well as the drug itself, is controlled under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This means the drug has potential for abuse, but this potential is not as high as it would be for a Schedule I substance, like heroin, or a Schedule II substance, like methadone. It also means that buprenorphine is approved for medicinal use but must be prescribed by a doctor. The medication cannot legally be bought or sold without a doctor’s prescription.

Does Buprenorphine Cause the Same Effects as Other Narcotics?

Yes, but buprenorphine often causes fewer side effects as well as lesser intended effects. This is why individuals with a mild or moderate dependence on opioids will often be given buprenorphine as part of their treatment program, but those who have more intense dependencies will need to take methadone.

Is It Possible to Abuse This Drug Like Other Narcotics?

Unfortunately, even though the medication carries a lesser potential for abuse than other opioids, many people still abuse buprenorphine. According to the DEA, the medication has become popular as a heroin substitute in many countries as of late.

Typically, abusers of buprenorphine are those who are not dependent on opioids themselves, but anyone determined enough might try to experience euphoric effects using buprenorphine.

How Can You Treat One Opiate Addiction with Another Opioid?

For chronic pain patients or those with severe addictions, using an opioid maintenance medication can provide relief and help reduce the risk of relapse.

There is another safeguard put into place to help people avoid abusing buprenorphine.  Naloxone is often combined with the drug, which precipitates withdrawal symptoms in anyone dependent on opioids and attempts to abuse it. 

Buprenorphine: Narcotic and Addiction Treatment

Buprenorphine can be an extremely beneficial tool to help someone with an addiction to narcotics. While some individuals use buprenophine short-term as a part of their individualized treatment plan, others utilize it for long-term recovery support and relapse prevention. 

If you need help for opioid addiction–and especially if you have been abusing your buprenorphine medication–call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) today.

Narcotics.com is user supported. We receive a commission fee from purchases made through BetterHelp links. Learn More