Subuxone, subbies, Temgesic, temmies

Subutex, Suboxone and Temgesic are trade names for buprenorphine, a man-made narcotic analgesic. The drug works by acting on the brain and nervous system to reduce pain.

Buprenorphine is licensed for use as a substitute for heroin or morphine and is prescribed to people wanting to come off these drugs. It is different from other opioids in that it is a partial opioid agonist. This means that there is less euphoria and physical dependence and a relatively mild withdrawal syndrome.

The aim of buprenorphine treatment is to:

• Suppress symptoms of opioid withdrawal
• Decrease cravings for opioids and hence illicit opioid use
• Block the effects of other opioids
• Help patients stay in treatment

Subutex comes in tablet form and these are usually taken orally -dissolved under the tongue.