Long-term replacement of methadone by equipotent buprenorphine for male heroin addicts with methadone-induced hyperprolactinaemia and sexual dysfunction. A case report

Background: sexual dysfunction is one of the aspects that limit the feasibility of methadone maintenance at adequate dosages that aims to suppress cravings for street opiates. One reason for this is that sexual disorders are likely to be related to opiate-induced elevated serum prolactin levels. Aim: to provide evidence that buprenorphine, at mu-equivalent dosages, can facilitate control over craving and psychopathological discomfort, without any major increase in serum prolactin. Methods: case report presentation. Results: buprenorphine, a partial mu-receptor agonist, is resorted to as a replacement for methadone, for a subject suffering from hyperprolactinaemia during the maintenance phase. Conclusions: buprenorphine may be a preferable option for low-craving heroin addicts who suffer from methadone-induced hyperprolactinaemia.