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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Should Be The Gap Between Intake Of Methadone And Buprenorphine?

Hi, I am taking 30 mg. of methadone a day. I am thinking about changing to buprenorphine. How long do I have to wait since my last dose of methadone 30 mg. before I can take buprenorphine. I am opiate dependant. I am wanting to get off of pills all together.
Thu, 25 Apr 2019
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

The half-life of Methadone in an opioid-tolerant patient is approximately 24 hours. Its half-life ( t1/2 ) in an opioid-naive patient is approximately 55 hours. Therefore, the duration of effect is extended in opioid-naive patients.

The t1/2 of Buprenorphine is 37 hrs. Both are narcotic analgesic and switch over should be under supervision of a physician or psychiatrist because of drug dependence and consequent withdrawal symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas
Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Should Be The Gap Between Intake Of Methadone And Buprenorphine?

Hello, The half-life of Methadone in an opioid-tolerant patient is approximately 24 hours. Its half-life ( t1/2 ) in an opioid-naive patient is approximately 55 hours. Therefore, the duration of effect is extended in opioid-naive patients. The t1/2 of Buprenorphine is 37 hrs. Both are narcotic analgesic and switch over should be under supervision of a physician or psychiatrist because of drug dependence and consequent withdrawal symptoms. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thank you. Regards, Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas Internal Medicine Specialist