Buprenorphine/naloxone as a promising therapeutic option for opioid abusing patients with chronic pain: Reduction of pain, opioid withdrawal symptoms, and abuse liability of oral oxycodone

Summary: In opioid-dependent individuals with chronic pain, buprenorphine/naloxone may be an effective therapeutic option using adequate dose and paying attention to withdrawal symptoms and pain.Abstract: Few studies have examined abuse of prescription opioids among individuals with chronic pain under buprenorphine/naloxone (Bup/Nx) maintenance. The current 7-week inpatient study assessed oral oxycodone self-administration by patients with chronic pain who had a history of opioid abuse. Participants (n=25) were transitioned from their preadmission prescribed opioid to Bup/Nx. All of the participants were tested under each of the sublingual Bup/Nx maintenance doses (2/0.5, 8/2 or 16/4mg) in random order. During each maintenance period, participants could self-administer oxycodone orally (0,…