Ultrarapid Influence of Buprenorphine on Major Depression in Opioid-Dependent Patients: A Double Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine the impact of different doses of buprenorphine on depression symptoms in opioid dependent inpatient over a three-day interval, using a randomized clinical trial design (RCT). Design: Patients were randomized and assigned to three groups. Participants: Forty males who were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit and who fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for both opioid dependence and major depressive disorder. Intervention: Patients randomly received 32 mg, 64 mg, or 96 mg of buprenorphine as a single high dose. Out of 40 patients, 11 (27.5%) received 32 mg, 14 (35%) received 64 mg and 15 (37.5%) received 96 mg of buprenorphine. We conducted medical precautional measures, including cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring. Measurements: Depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All patients completed the three-day treatment duration. The results showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms within each of the three groups (p = 0.00), although there ...