Buprenorphine is an approved medication for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is typically administered once daily as a sublingual tablet combined with naloxone (i.e., Suboxone). Evidence suggests buprenorphine produces relatively low levels of physical dependence. In addition, some research suggests there is relatively little withdrawal following cessation of chronically administered buprenorphine. This study will examine the spontaneous withdrawal associated with abrupt cessation of buprenorphine compared to morphine in opioid dependent individuals. This study will assess the characteristics and time course of withdrawal using subject-rated and observer-rated measures of opioid withdrawal. Physiologic measures and psychomotor performance will be collected during chronic opioid administration and during placebo administration (i.e., during spontaneous withdrawal). Particular attention will be paid to the differences (if any) in sleep disturbances and withdrawal associated hyperalgesia.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
12
parenteral buprenorphine may be administered at multiple times each day
parenteral morphine may be administered multiple times each day
Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Mean Peak Opioid Withdrawal Assessed by the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS)
Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is an observer-rated tool for quantifying opioid withdrawal. The scale ranges from 0 to 48: Scores 5 to 12 are mild, 13 to 24 are moderate, 25 to 36 are moderately severe, and over 36 are severe withdrawal. The scores on this repeated measure were analyzed by a two-factor ANOVA for mean peak daily COWS ratings.
Time frame: Average mean peak opioid withdrawal thirty minutes before and after injection assessed up to 59 days
Mean Daily Peak Pain Ratings Assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measures subjective ratings on pain. The scale on this measurement ranges from 0 being "None" to 100 being "Extremely". The results below reflect the subjective measurements of pain taken from day 0 to day 18 of withdrawal from both morphine and buprenorphine.
Time frame: Average mean daily peak pain ratings assessed from day 0 to day 18 during the 18 day withdrawal period
Mean Peak Sleep Assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a self-report questionnaire that assesses sleep quality, total scores range from 0 (better) to 21(worse). The data that has been reported reflects the peak scores on the PSQI during the withdrawal period from both morphine and buprenorphine.
Time frame: Average mean peak sleep assessed once a week for up to 8 weeks
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