Look for Buprenorphine Dose Changes for Some Surgery Patients

Buprenorphine doses may "seesaw" when patients with opioid use disorder go for surgery.

That's because buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist...meaning it has some opioid effects, but can block the effects of other opioids.

In some cases, expect buprenorphine doses to be reduced before surgery...so a stronger opioid can be added to control pain.