Buprenorphine

Also known as

• Subutex, tec, su su, Sovenor, Temgesic

Description

• Subutex comes in 2 mg and 8 mg pills. Its active ingredient is Buprenorphine Hydrochloride, which is a semi-synthetic opioid derivative closely related to Morphine.

• Subutex is taken sublingually i.e. place under the tongue until it dissolves. However, abusers are known to mix it with other prescription drugs and inject it for a greater 'high'.

Effects and dangers

• Sedation

• Light-headedness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Vomiting

Withdrawal symptoms

• Delirium tremens, clouding of consciousness and severe tremors or seizures

• Anxiety, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea

• Abdominal cramps, muscle and joint pains

• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)

Medical complications arising from intravenous abuse of Subutex especially when mixed with other prescription drugs:

• Clogging of veins leading to gangrene.

• Breathing problems (respiratory depression) which can lead to death.

The sharing of needles can also cause the spread of Hepatitis B and C and the HIV virus if the needles are contaminated.

Penalties

Trafficking of Buprenorphine:

• Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

Illegal import or export of Buprenorphine:

• Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment or imprisonment for life and 15 strokes of the cane

Possession of Buprenorphine:

• Maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

Consumption of Buprenorphine:

• Minimum of 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, with a maximum fine of $20,000