New review of the efficacy of Buprenorphine

Please see the link below for a new Cochrane review of the efficacy of Buprenorphine to reduce withdrawl symptoms among drug users.

http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD002025/frame.html

Summary:

Buprenorphine is more effective than clonidine or lofexidine, and may have advantages over methadone, for the management of opioid withdrawal.
Dependence on opioid drugs (heroin, methadone) is a major health and social issue in many societies. Managed withdrawal from opioid dependence is an essential first step for drug-free treatment. This review of trials found that the drug buprenorphine is more effective than clonidine or lofexidine in reducing the signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal, retaining patients in withdrawal treatment, and supporting the completion of treatment. There is no significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects, but patients treated with buprenorphine may be less likely to drop-out due to adverse effects than is the case with clonidine or lofexidine. There is limited evidence comparing buprenorphine with methadone, but it appears that completion of withdrawal may be more likely with buprenorphine and withdrawal symptoms may resolve more quickly with buprenorphine.