Buprenorphine Induced Respiratory Depression: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46570/utjms-2026-1586Keywords:
buprenorphine, respiratory depression, suboxone, opioidsAbstract
Due to buprenorphine’s low maximum effect on respiratory depression because it is a partial agonist at the mu opioid receptor, it is generally considered a safe medication for treating opioid drug dependence. However, in combination with benzodiazepines or other comorbidities, it has been shown that buprenorphine can result in serious respiratory depression. We present the case of a 64-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, hepatitis C, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic steatosis who presented to the detox unit for alcohol and cocaine dependence and withdrawal. Although her initial presentation was for alcohol and cocaine withdrawal, her medical history was significant for opioid use disorder with multiple prior admissions to the detox unit. In consideration of this, buprenorphine therapy was initiated as part of her opioid dependence treatment. However, when given the standard dosage of buprenorphine, she was found to be sleeping upright in her chair three hours later with reduced O2 saturation. The patient received 1.2 mg of Narcan and had to be intubated because of buprenorphine induced respiratory depression. This case illustrates the potential effects of buprenorphine on respiration status.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Katie Cole, Thu Nguyen, Tanvir Singh (Author)
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