Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid. The drug is prescribed at low doses as an addiction therapy drug or substitute for an abused drug, such as heroin. For users, it can produce a similar effect to heroin or methadone — feelings such as euphoria and respiratory depression. For individuals that are addicted to opiates, buprenorphine is a drug that allows them to come off of drugs without the painful withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Buprenorphine Also Known As?
The drug is sold under various brand names such as Subutex, Suboxone and Temgesic. On the street buprenorphine is known by slang names such as subbies, bupe and temmies.
How Does Buprenorphine Work In The Body?
Buprenorphine is classified as a partial opioid agonist. This means it activates the opioid receptors in the brain enough to prevent cravings and withdrawal, but not enough to create a high like a full opioid agonist such as heroin or oxycodone. Additionally, buprenorphine has a higher affinity for the opioid receptors than full agonists, so it can displace other opioids from binding to the receptors. This blocking effect decreases the reinforcing properties and euphoric effects of full agonists.
Side Effects And Safety Considerations
While buprenorphine offers a safer alternative to full opioids, you’ll want to understand its common side effects. Most people experience mild symptoms like headaches, nausea, or constipation when starting treatment. Don’t worry though – these usually fade within the first few weeks as your body adjusts.
Here’s something crucial that many don’t realise: mixing buprenorphine with alcohol or benzodiazepines can be dangerous. Why? These combinations might slow your breathing to dangerous levels. Think of it like pressing the brake pedal in your car too hard – everything slows down more than you’d want.
If you’re taking buprenorphine as prescribed, you’ll typically notice improved focus and energy compared to full opioids. Your doctor might start you on a higher dose before finding your sweet spot – that perfect balance where you feel stable without any withdrawal symptoms.
Got a job interview coming up? Make sure to bring your prescription and documentation from your healthcare provider. Many employers understand that buprenorphine represents responsible treatment, not active addiction. Being upfront about your prescribed use often works better than trying to hide it.
Will Buprenorphine Show Up On An Employment Drug Test?
This all depends on what type of drug test the employer is using. Traditionally, many employers use a 5 panel urine drug test to screen existing and new employees. In the UK, such a multi drug screen might consist of a test for the following drugs:
Amphetamines (AMP)
Benzodiazepines(BZO)
Cannabis (THC)
Cocaine (COC)
Opiates / Morphine (MOR)
A 5 Panel drug test of the configuration shown above would not detect buprenorphine usage. Also, the drug will not be detected by an opiates test.
However, the demand for buprenorphine drug testing has seen a rise in usage of the types of drug test that can detect the drug. More and more employers are now using multi-panel drug tests that detect many more drugs than were previously screened for. This means that a modern employment drug screen may well include a buprenorphine urine drug test.
For example, one of the most popular drug test kit amongst UK employers is the 12 Panel Multi Drug Test that will detect buprenorphine (BUP) alongside 11 other commonly used drugs of abuse. Also, Buprenorphine can now be tested for by using a single parameter drug test that screens specifically for the drug.
For How Long Can Buprenorphine Be Detected On A Urine Drug Test?
The drug can be detected on a buprenorphine urine drug test for 2-4 days after last use. The detection level for the drug is 10 ng/mL.
Where Can I Find More Information On Buprenorphine Drug Testing?
At Zoom Testing, we can supply a highly reliable buprenorphine urine drug test as a single test or as part of a multi-drug screen. We can also offer impartial and confidential advice to individuals, employers and medical professionals. Please contact us if you have any questions on how or where to order a buprenorphine urine drug test.
Photo: “Buprenorphine” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
This post was originally published in 2013. It was last updated in November 2024.
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
