An overview of buprenorphine prescribing for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse.

PURPOSE: Rates of at-risk opioid use, opioid use disorder, and opioid overdose remain alarmingly high. There are medications that can be used to treat opioid use disorder, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, although access to care remains difficult. This review seeks to provide advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPNs) with an overview of buprenorphine prescribing, with an emphasis on novel, long-acting delivery systems.

CONCLUSIONS

APPNs should be familiar with best practices regarding buprenorphine prescribing. Some patients may benefit from long-acting delivery methods, such as subdermal implants, or subcutaneous injections.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: APPNs can reduce barriers to buprenorphine access and should be familiar with best practices related to buprenorphine prescribing.