American Society of Addiction Medicine
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Higher First 30-Day Dose of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Is Associated With Decreased Mortality
Higher First 30-Day Dose of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Is Associated With Decreased Mortality
Higher First 30-Day Dose of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Is Associated With Decreased Mortality
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Discover how higher initial doses of buprenorphine can reduce mortality in opioid use disorder treatment with expert insights from Dr. Michelle Lofwall.
20 minutes
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American Society of Addiction Medicine
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Get the buttons here!The Life-Saving Impact of Higher Buprenorphine Doses in Early OUD Treatment
Episode Overview
- Higher initial doses of buprenorphine can significantly reduce mortality in OUD treatment.
- The first 30 days are critical for patient retention in OUD treatment.
- Fentanyl has drastically increased overdose deaths, prompting a need to revisit dosage guidelines.
- Insurance limitations often restrict access to necessary higher doses.
- Clinicians should not fear prescribing buprenorphine; it has a strong safety profile and is life-saving.
Don't be afraid of buprenorphine. It's not hard... You can save lives.
Ever wondered how the dosage of a medication can influence recovery outcomes? This episode of 'Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract' dives into this crucial topic with host Dr. Sean McNeil and guest Dr. Michelle Lofwall. Dr. Lofwall, a professor at the University of Kentucky, shares her groundbreaking research on how a higher initial dose of buprenorphine can significantly reduce mortality rates for those battling opioid use disorder (OUD).
You'll hear about the critical first 30 days of treatment, where the risk of discontinuation is alarmingly high, and how higher doses can help keep patients on track. The conversation also touches on the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and the need to reconsider current dosage recommendations. Dr. Lofwall's insights highlight the importance of personalised treatment plans and overcoming barriers such as insurance limitations.
She also discusses the broader health challenges faced by individuals with OUD, including other substance use disorders and chronic health conditions. The episode wraps up with practical advice for clinicians on prescribing buprenorphine and emphasising its life-saving potential. If you're looking for expert perspectives on addiction treatment, this episode is a must-listen.