Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to evaluate and explain our current understanding of the clinical use of buprenorphine in the treatment of chronic pain.
Recent findings: There has been few high-quality, unbiased studies performed on the use of buprenorphine in the treatment of chronic pain. Buprenorphine is an effective and safe analgesic that is tolerated at least as well, if not better, than other opioids. Given its safety and mechanistic advantages, the authors believe there is an important role for buprenorphine in the treatment of chronic pain severe enough to warrant the use of an opioid analgesic. Though data is lacking for superiority in chronic pain states, the other advantages of the molecule make it the preferential first-line opioid for around-the-clock pain in our practice.
Keywords: Buprenorphine; Chronic pain.