What is buprenorphine, and how does it compare to methadone?
Buprenorphine: A partial agonist-antagonist that activates opioid receptors (like methadone) but also blocks euphoric effects (like naltrexone).
Safer than methadone: Has a "ceiling effect", meaning increasing the dose beyond a certain point does not enhance effects, reducing overdose risk (Marteau et al., 2015).
Methadone remains preferred: More effective in retaining patients in treatment (Whelan & Remski, 2012).
