Cessation of methadone maintenance treatment using buprenorphine: transfer from methadone to buprenorphine and subsequent buprenorphine reductions.

Background: Buprenorphine is used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Due to its pharmacology, the transfer from methadone to buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Methods: Methadone maintained patients with clinical indicators of stability who were seeking withdrawal from methadone were recruited from three Australian states.