Background and Objectives
Buprenorphine is commonly used to manage opioid use disorder; however, the literature describes its potential role in treating treatment‐resistant depression.
Methods
We present a patient with bipolar disorder and opioid use disorder, who presented status post‐suicide attempt.
Results
After initiating buprenorphine‐naloxone, the patient reported rapid improvement in depressive symptoms, pain, and suicidal ideation.
Discussion and Conclusions
This case demonstrates buprenorphineʼs antisuicidal and mood‐stabilizing capabilities, potentially via antagonizing κ‐opioid receptors as well as reinstating the balance between reward and antireward circuitry.
Scientific Significance
This case highlights buprenorphine‐naloxone as a treatment for both treatment‐resistant depression and opioid use disorder, as well as buprenorphineʼs rapid antidepressant, analgesic, and antisuicidal effects. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)