Deciding to Taper: Navigating Buprenorphine/Naloxone in Addiction Treatment
What is it going to take for you to get to zero? Because what we see very frequently- and I know you see this all the time- a lot of patients don't want to be on this medication, whether it's buprenorphine or methadone, long term, and they want to just have a short stab at it.
When it comes to addiction treatment, the decision to taper off medication is never simple. In this episode of 'The Addiction Files', Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook dive into the complexities of tapering buprenorphine/naloxone. They tackle the big question: should patients be tapered off their maintenance doses, and if so, how? With a focus on patient autonomy and safety, the hosts explore the risks and benefits of discontinuing opioid use medication.
They stress the importance of a gradual tapering process, closely monitoring withdrawal symptoms to ensure patient well-being. The discussion also covers alternative methods like long-acting injectable buprenorphine and oral naltrexone, offering fresh perspectives for those in the medical field. Dr. Petersen and Dr. Cook emphasize the role of mentorship and support systems in recovery, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone involved in addiction medicine.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in the latest treatment approaches, this episode provides essential insights into managing addiction with care and respect.