Physical Dependence on a Microdose of Opioid Substitution Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Buprenorphine is often used for opioid substitution therapy due to its safety profile and lack of psychological dependence. However, physical dependence on buprenorphine is a poorly studied concept with very little literature available. We, hereby, present our case of a 33-year-old male who developed physical dependence on a microdose of 0.4 mg buprenorphine – a dose that is not considered therapeutically significant. Some patients may need to be given these microdoses of buprenorphine long term to prevent relapse.