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Research ArticleNEUROPHARMACOLOGY

Intravenous Buprenorphine Self-Administration by Detoxified Heroin Abusers

Sandra D. Comer, Eric D. Collins and Marian W. Fischman
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 2002, 301 (1) 266-276; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.301.1.266
Sandra D. Comer
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Eric D. Collins
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Marian W. Fischman
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Abstract

Several sources indicate that intravenously administered buprenorphine may have significant abuse liability in humans. The present study evaluated the reinforcing effects of intravenously administered buprenorphine (0, 2, and 8 mg) in detoxified heroin-dependent participants during a 7.5-week inpatient study. Participants (n = 6) were detoxified from heroin over a 1.5-week period immediately after admission. Testing subsequently occurred in three 2-week blocks. During the first week of each 2-week block, the reinforcing effects of buprenorphine were evaluated. Participants first received a dose of buprenorphine and $20 and then were given either the opportunity to self-administer the dose or $20 during choice sessions. During the second week of each 2-week block, the direct effects of heroin were measured to evaluate potential long-lasting antagonist effects of buprenorphine. Progressive ratio break-point values were significantly higher after 2 and 8 mg of buprenorphine compared with placebo. Correspondingly, several positive subjective ratings increased after administration of active buprenorphine relative to placebo. Although there were few differences in peak effects produced by 2 versus 8 mg of buprenorphine, the higher buprenorphine dose generally produced longer-lasting effects. Heroin also produced dose-related increases in several subjective effects. Peak ratings produced by heroin were generally higher than peak ratings produced by buprenorphine. There was little evidence of residual antagonism produced by buprenorphine. These results demonstrate that buprenorphine served as a reinforcer under these conditions, and that it may have abuse liability in nonopioid-dependent individuals who abuse heroin.

Footnotes

  • This research was supported by Grant DA1099 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

  • Abbreviations:
    SOWS
    subjective opioid withdrawal scale
    DEQ
    drug effects questionnaire
    VAS
    visual analog scale
    HR
    heart rate
    SP
    systolic pressure
    DP
    diastolic pressure
    DSST
    digit symbol substitution task
    DAT
    divided attention task
    • Received November 13, 2001.
    • Accepted December 20, 2001.
  • The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
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Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics: 301 (1)
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Vol. 301, Issue 1
1 Apr 2002
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Research ArticleNEUROPHARMACOLOGY

Intravenous Buprenorphine Self-Administration by Detoxified Heroin Abusers

Sandra D. Comer, Eric D. Collins and Marian W. Fischman
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 1, 2002, 301 (1) 266-276; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.301.1.266

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Research ArticleNEUROPHARMACOLOGY

Intravenous Buprenorphine Self-Administration by Detoxified Heroin Abusers

Sandra D. Comer, Eric D. Collins and Marian W. Fischman
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 1, 2002, 301 (1) 266-276; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.301.1.266
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