How do you approach buprenorphine dosing and titration in older adults with opioid use disorder?
Older adults may have increased sensitivity to medications, higher rates of medical comorbidity, and greater risk of sedation or falls. Do you modify your approach to initial dosing, titration speed, or target dose in patients over 65? Are there particular side effects you monitor more closely in this population?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Psychiatry · University Of Kentucky Center On Drug And Alcohol Research
Answered on
I apply the same care and principles here with buprenorphine dosing in persons age 65 and older as I do with starting other psychoactive medications and medications that are metabolized by the liver. I also see many persons younger than 65 who have the physical health of persons older than 65 becaus...
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Mednet Member
Psychiatry · Private Practice
Answered on · Updated on
It's important to remember that there is no such thing as "opiate use disorder". There is certainly addictive/compulsive use of opiates, as with alcohol, gambling, eating, or exercising. These are all compulsive psychological symptoms that are often substituted for one another. To label each differe...
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