🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

Opioid use disorder treatment with buprenorphine works by:

A Fully activating opioid receptors
B Partially agonizing mu-opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal while having a ceiling effect on respiratory depression
C Blocking all brain receptors
D Increasing dopamine directly

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Buprenorphine: partial mu-agonist with ceiling effect → safer than full agonists (methadone). Reduces cravings, prevents withdrawal. Can be prescribed in office (X-waiver removed 2023). MAT is evidence-based.

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