Buprenorphine is different from other opioids in that it is a partial opioid agonist. This property of buprenorphine may allow for:

• less euphoria and physical dependence
• lower potential for misuse
• a ceiling on opioid effects
• relatively mild withdrawal profile

At the appropriate dose buprenorphine treatment may:

• Suppress symptoms of opioid withdrawal
• Decrease cravings for opioids
• Reduce illicit opioid use
• Block the effects of other opioids
• Help patients stay in treatment