Buprenorphine (brand name Suboxone) is an opioid medication used to help treat opioid use disorder. It is a partial agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but only up to a certain limit (a “ceiling effect”). It strongly binds to the receptors so other opioids (like heroin or oxycodone) can’t easily take their place. Because it doesn’t fully activate the receptors like full opioids, buprenorphine has a lower risk of overdose and addiction. However, stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
