Serious overdoses involving buprenorphine in Helsinki.

摘要: Background:  Buprenorphine is used as maintenance therapy for opioid-dependent patients. In comparison with other opioids it thought to be safer because less likely cause serious respiratory depression. However, concomitant use of psychotropics, especially benzodiazepines, and intravenous injection dissolved buprenorphine tablets increase the risk a overdose. Methods:  As part larger retrospective study opioid overdoses in Helsinki, emergency medical services (EMS) records from January 1995 April 2002 were reviewed involving buprenorphine. Hospital when available. Results:  We report 11 which was involved. The classic symptoms signs an overdose (respiratory depression, miosis central nervous system depression) present most cases. At least eight patients had that potentially fatal. One heroin reportedly ‘treated’ by his friends intravenously administered buprenorphine. Conclusion:  high-dosage formulation might have caused several dangerous fatal Helsinki. does considerably than heroin. Drug abusers administering themselves treat overdoses.