Methadone and buprenorphine

If you are dependent on heroin (which means you experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, aches and pains without it), then our nurses can prescribe methadone or buprenorphine. There is also an injectable form of buprenorphine called Buvidal.

These medications prevent withdrawal symptoms, meaning you will no longer need heroin to stop feeling sick. You will sometimes hear this referred to as Opioid Substitute Therapy (OST).

Since these medications are controlled drugs, they must be prescribed very carefully. If you are not using a lot of heroin, or not using regularly, you may not need methadone or buprenorphine at all.

A nurse will assess your suitability for a prescription and the right dose to start with. This dosage is then gradually increased until your withdrawal symptoms stop. During this time, you will need regular monitoring so the nurse will ask you to collect and take your medication every day at a pharmacy. When it is safe to do so, most people can then start taking their medication at home provided it is stored safely.

Methadone and buprenorphine will interact with other drugs, including alcohol and other medications, which can be dangerous and cause overdoses. For this reason, you will need to take regular drug tests to ensure they are still safe to prescribe.