Electroencephalographic and behavioral correlates of buprenorphine administration

Abstract

Male subjects on methadone [the drug most widely used for opiate dependence] maintenance who were residing in a research ward were switched to buprenorphine for 45 days. Physiologic measures, behavioral and subjective ratings of mood states, and an EEG were obtained daily. Distinct changes in EEG activity paralleled physiologic and behavioral effects during the transition to buprenorphine. Sinular physiologic effects and a reversal of EEG effects occurred when saline solution was substituted for buprenorphine. Consistent with its classification as a partial opiate agonist, buprenorphine may not substitute fully for methadone.