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Successful transition to buprenorphine in a patient with methadone-induced torsades de pointes

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Abstract

A 56-year-old-man presented with syncope and torsades de pointes secondary to methadone-induced QT prolongation. After transition from methadone to buprenorphine, a partial μ-opiate-receptor agonist and a κ-opiate-receptor antagonist, the QT normalized and ventricular arrhythmias resolved. Buprenorphine should be used for opiate dependence and chronic pain in patients with methadone-induced QT prolongation and as first line therapy in patients with risk factors for torsades de pointes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, Beth Israel Medical Center, 1st Ave. at 16th Street, Baird Hall, 5th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA

    Jason Levi Esses, Jonathan Rosman, Lien Thanh Do, Paul Schweitzer & Sam Hanon

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  1. Jason Levi Esses
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  2. Jonathan Rosman
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  3. Lien Thanh Do
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  4. Paul Schweitzer
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  5. Sam Hanon
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Correspondence to Sam Hanon.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures.

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Esses, J.L., Rosman, J., Do, L.T. et al. Successful transition to buprenorphine in a patient with methadone-induced torsades de pointes. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 23, 117–119 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-008-9280-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-008-9280-8

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