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Understanding Buvidal Withdrawal: A Complete Guide

October 1, 2025

8:07 pm

Buvidal withdrawal guide infographic layout

Table of contents

Introduction

Buvidal is not a new drug. It is a new way of delivering a staple of opioid substitution prescribing: Buprenorphine (Subutex).

In injection form, Buvidal offers a solution to those who find daily chemist visits problematic. It removes the need to make time for daily medication.

Designed as a long term maintenance program for opioid (Heroin addiction) there are those for whom abstinence from medication is desired and appropriate.

Buvidal withdrawal can be challenging, just as withdrawing from any other opioid. Let our clinicians explain how it is done and how you can make it easier to cope with.

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Buvidal: A new way of delivering Buprenorphine

Buvidal is one way of taking the established drug Buprenorphine.

While it is new to the UK market, it is fully licensed and being used at some statutory services (meaning you might be able to get it for free) and within certain prisons.

It is widely available at private rehab centers and private addiction outpatient services.

Not available from your GP

Your GP is not able to prescribe it due to commissioning protocols, making the transition into Buvidal withdrawal a carefully monitored process.

Buprenorphine is an opioid, though it works slightly differently from other opioids such as Methadone.

It can be used as a painkiller or as treatment for opioid dependency.

Infographic showing Buvidal treatment administration by injection, its brain mechanism, patient treatment journey, and goals and benefits.

Precipitated withdrawal

Due to the way it works, you need to be in withdrawal before starting Buvidal because it attaches itself to the opioid receptors in the brain.

If there are any other types of opioids on the receptors Buprenorphine will dislodge them, meaning you are forced into withdrawal.

If you have not had Buprenorphine before, you will be given a 4MG tablet to take first, so as to check you are not allergic to it.

Once you have had the injection, it would be too late to check! You will only need to wait an hour for medical staff to monitor you, and you can then have your injection.

Delayed withdrawal

As Buvidal is an opioid itself, if you stop your injections, you will experience withdrawal.

However, because Buvidal is a long-acting injection, you are not going to experience withdrawal immediately if you were to miss your injection.

The medication comes in a weekly and monthly form, and ordinarily, you have an injection every week for a month, then transfer to monthly, which helps to manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Use our knowledge

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians with many decades of clinical experience prescribing Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) including Buvidal. If you need 24 Addiction Advice: call.

Anyone can get Free Clinician Drug Advice from an expert addictions clinician without charge, in private without any obligation.

Key Takeaways

  • Buvidal is a long-acting injection of Buprenorphine, designed for opioid addiction treatment, offering an alternative to daily medication.
  • Withdrawing from Buvidal can be challenging; it’s crucial to manage the process carefully as symptoms can be severe.
  • Symptoms of Buvidal withdrawal include insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, and physical discomfort, varying from person to person.
  • To cope with Buvidal withdrawal, stay hydrated, keep busy, utilize your support network, and seek advice from clinicians.
  • Get expert help for Buvidal withdrawal, as treatment plans and support are essential to navigate the process effectively.

Buvidal Withdrawal Symptoms

There are three ways to come off Buvidal:

  • Reduce the strength of the injections and then convert to oral Buprenorphine and taper
  • Convert to oral Buprenorphine and taper
  • Reduce the strength of injections then stop at the lowest dose
  • Stop injections and allow the body to adjust; this is often part of managing Buvidal withdrawal.

Whichever way you do it (and this is a discussion you need to have with your clinician) the symptoms of Buvidal withdrawal can be mild to moderate, sometimes severe.

Every person is different, so it is not possible to determine who will have a rougher ride than someone else.

Some of the symptoms can include:

  • Insomnia
  • High body temperature
  • Anxiety
  • Stomach cramps and loose stools
  • Mood swings
  • Extreme irritability
  • Cravings for opioids
  • Goosebumps
  • Heavy sweating
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Buvidal Withdrawal Timeline

Buvidal is a long-acting medication, so if you stop taking it, you are not going to be in withdrawal straightaway.

If you are on weekly injections, it will take a couple of days before you experience difficulties.

With monthly injections, it will be longer. As this is a relatively new phenomenon, the research on Buvidal withdrawal is very scant.

Different statutory services have differing protocols on stopping treatment with Buvidal. Private rehabs and outpatients services are more flexible when managing the withdrawal timeline from Buvidal.

Infographic explaining Buvidal long-acting buprenorphine injection for opioid use disorder, treatment steps, administration sites, mechanism, goals, and benefits.

Ways to Cope With Buvidal Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to focus and reduce the discomfort. Remember: These symptoms only last until the opioid receptors are clear of opioids.

Our clinicians and therapists suggest the following from their experience to help with Buvidal withdrawal:

  • Drink water: You cannot “flush out” your system, but it helps to reduce symptoms of loose stools and nausea. However, don’t overdo it, as that can be dangerous. 2-3 liters a day. Electrolyte replacement
  • Keep busy: Do something. Don’t sit and ponder. Especially avoid overthinking the symptoms of withdrawal such as Buvidal withdrawal.
  • Use your support network: That is what they are there for. Do not be shy if you are struggling.
  • Yoga/breathing exercises/meditation: They help you relax. The less stressed you are, the less likely you are to relapse.
  • Keep a journal: It helps you to regulate your emotions.
  • Seek help from your clinician: If you get stuck, ask for help during the Buvidal withdrawal process.

Here at Find Me a Rehab we have experienced addictions clinicians with many decades of clinical experience prescribing Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) including Buvidal. If you need 24 Addiction Advice: call. Anyone can get Free Clinician Drug Advice from an expert addictions clinician without charge, in private without any obligation.

Get help today

Call and speak with an experienced addictions clinician on any aspect of Buvidal, Buprenorphine, opioid and heroin addiction, detox, rehab, therapy, aftercare and relapse prevention.

Our clinicians can advise you on treatment plans, treatment options, locations, costings and logistics.

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