Citation

Benhamou OM, Lynch S, Klepacz L. Am. J. Addict. 2021; 30(1): 80-82.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ajad.13063

PMID

32662143

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Buprenorphine is commonly used to manage opioid use disorder; however, the literature describes its potential role in treating treatment-resistant depression.
METHODS: We present a patient with bipolar disorder and opioid use disorder, who presented status post-suicide attempt.
RESULTS: After initiating buprenorphine-naloxone, the patient reported rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, pain, and suicidal ideation.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates buprenorphine's antisuicidal and mood-stabilizing capabilities, potentially via antagonizing κ-opioid receptors as well as reinstating the balance between reward and antireward circuitry.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This case highlights buprenorphine-naloxone as a treatment for both treatment-resistant depression and opioid use disorder, as well as buprenorphine's rapid antidepressant, analgesic, and antisuicidal effects. (Am J Addict 2021;30:80-82).

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Male; Depression; Burns; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted; Pain; Analgesics, Opioid; Bipolar Disorder; Opioid-Related Disorders; Buprenorphine, Naloxone Drug Combination; Receptors, Opioid, kappa