A successful Treatment of Buprenorphine Withdrawal with the Dopamine Receptor Agonist Pramipexole

Background Buprenorphine, used for treating opioid dependence, may have a withdrawal syndrome requiring treatment. Modulation of the dopamine system, which has been implicated in opioid withdrawal, may be a target for withdrawal for opioids such as buprenorphine. Case Report A case is reported of a buprenorphine withdrawal syndrome with predominant symptoms of restlessness that were resistant to clonidine and benzodiazepines. It was successfully treated with the dopamine agonist pramipexole. Scientific Significance Dopamine receptor agonists may have a place in the treatment of restlessness associated with opioid withdrawal and may have value for the broader spectrum of opioid withdrawal symptoms. (Am J Addict 2014;23:475–477)