body heat and buprenorphine

[Navy20]

Hi, I have been using Buprenorphine patches for 4 weeks and was wondering whether body heat releases more opioids into the system. When I’m really warm I feel spacey and drowsy. Has anyone else experienced this?

[ChrisColumbus]

I've no experience of opioids generally or buprenorphine specifically, but I've read on an NHS Scotland site re: the patches that heat, fever and higher than normal temperatures "increases the absorption of buprenorphine and can cause toxicity. Avoid direct contact with heat (for example hot water bottle, heat pad). Showering is possible as the patches are waterproof, but patients should avoid soaking in a hot bath, sauna or sunbathing. If the patient has a persistent temperature of 39C or above, the patch dose may need reviewed"

Sounds as though you should discuss with the prescriber if you have any concerns.

[Navy20 in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thank you that is really helpful and kind of you to post such a detailed reply. I will monitor it for a few days and ring my GP to hear her thoughts.

[Jelbea]

Hi Navy20 - I was on buprenorphine patches for more than a year and during that time I certainly felt that the patches probably did not work as well in warm weather. I do think that when you get warm there is more of the drug used up. I do not mean being out in the sun or applying heat but just ordinary everyday living. When I started the patches they worked for 7 days. However, as the time went on the coverage dwindled and latterly I was lucky to get 3 days coverage. Unfortunately I seem to metabolise drugs too quickly. Eventually I managed to persuade GP to let me try sublingual form of buprenorphine but this did not really work for me either. Both types caused anxiety and depression and I have now changed back to oxycodone and feel a lot better.

Hope this helps, Good Wishes

[Navy20 in reply to Jelbea]

That’s interesting. I wasn’t sure whether I was imaging it or not. It is always hard when starting on a new drug. I’ll discuss it with my GP. Thank you for taking the time to reply.