The pill with the imprint “153” is the medication buprenorphine, a prescription drug primarily used for the treatment of opioid use disorder and sometimes for chronic pain. This medication is a specific formulation designed to dissolve under the tongue for proper absorption. This article identifies the drug and provides context regarding its intended use, mechanism, and necessary safety precautions.
Confirmed Identification and Active Ingredient
The pill bearing the imprint “153” is Buprenorphine Hydrochloride, typically in an 8 mg strength. This tablet is characterized by its orange color and oval or elliptical shape. The imprint 153 is associated with a generic version of the drug, historically manufactured by Actavis Pharma, Inc.
The active ingredient is buprenorphine, which is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance due to its potential for physical dependence. This specific sublingual tablet is a generic equivalent of the former brand-name medication Subutex. The sublingual formulation is designed to be placed under the tongue, allowing the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Prescribed Medical Uses
Buprenorphine’s primary indication is for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). It is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies. It functions as a substitution treatment, helping individuals reduce or quit the use of more potent opioids. By activating the same receptors as stronger opioids, it diminishes physical dependency effects, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings.
The drug works by acting as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor in the brain. This means it binds to the receptor site but produces only a limited effect, unlike a full agonist. This action provides enough opioid effect to relieve withdrawal and cravings without causing the full euphoric effect or dangerous respiratory depression seen with full agonists.
This mechanism creates a “ceiling effect,” where increasing the dose beyond a certain point does not result in a greater opioid effect. This ceiling effect is a significant safety feature, as it lowers the risk of fatal respiratory depression compared to full opioid agonists. Buprenorphine also has a high affinity for the mu-opioid receptor, binding tightly and blocking other full opioid agonists from attaching.
Essential Safety Guidelines and Warnings
The use of buprenorphine requires strict adherence to safety guidelines, with a primary concern being the risk of severe respiratory depression. This risk is significantly heightened when the medication is taken with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This includes alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedating medications. Patients must be warned against the concomitant use of these substances, as the combination can lead to coma or death.
Due to the potential for impaired judgment and coordination, individuals should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they understand how the medication affects them.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Administration and Storage
Proper administration is a safety measure: the tablet must be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely, and it should not be chewed or swallowed. Stopping the medication abruptly can trigger severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, so discontinuation must be gradual and supervised by a healthcare provider. Buprenorphine causes physical dependence and must be stored securely out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.