Buprenorphine and Methadone for Opioid Dependent Chronic Pain Patients

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Buprenorphine and Methadone for Opioid Dependent Chronic Pain Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine if buprenorphine or methadone is better for the treatment of chronic pain among patients who have become addicted to prescription narcotics.

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to compare methadone with buprenorphine for the treatment of chronic pain among patients who have developed a physical dependence on prescription opiate analgesics that is associated with psychosocial dysfunction (i.e., addiction).

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic back pain
• opioid addiction
• not successful with abstinence
• at least 18 years old
• able to understand spoken English
• live in Western New York State (Erie or Niagara county)
• have health insurance or ability to pay for health care
• no methadone or buprenorphine treatment within past year
• not member of a vulnerable population (e.g., pregnancy, prisoner)

Exclusion Criteria:

• homelessness
• unable to give consent (e.g., dementia, psychosis)
• serious heart or lung disease
• taking a medication that could interact with methadone or buprenorphine
• pregnancy