Methadone and buprenorphine are the only two opioids that are indicated for the management of both pain and opioid-related drug addiction. Both present unique challenges to the general practitioner and pain specialist, requiring a separate analysis from the rest of the drugs in the same family. Handbook of Methadone Prescribing and Buprenorphine Therapy is an invaluable guide to the safe use of these opioids. Authored by clinical and academic leaders from a variety of settings and backgrounds, this book includes chapters on pharmacology, adverse effects, safe rotation from other opioids, cardiac toxicity, prescribing, pharmacokinetics, equianalgesic dose and replacement therapy. This comprehensive text provides clinicians, researchers, policy-makers and academicians a resource for all the relevant points in methadone prescribing and buprenorphine therapy.

Until recently, it was thought that the adult brain is modifiable only during early stages of ontogenesis. However, neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies now indicate that the mature human brain is, under certain conditions, capable of substantial neuroplastic changes. Neuroplasticity reflects the ability of the human brain to alter the pattern of neural activation in response to previous experience, and recent findings indicate that the effects of experience can lead to both structural as well as functional reorganization. It has been shown that pathological neuroplastic changes can be reverted/normalized and that the modulation of the neuroplastic changes can be paralleled by improvement of the patient's status. However, there is a gap between the potential of neuromodulation, technical progress and actual preparedness of medical personnel to provide this type of treatment. A prevalent opinion among medical professionals indicates that training programs and educational materials in neuromodulatory techniques are well needed and appreciated. Neuromodulation will focus on the description and discussion of methods currently available for invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation, their clinical potential, significance and practical applications. In order to facilitate understanding of the topic, the initial part of the textbook will review neurophysiological systems involved in neuromodulation and will provide readers with basic principles of neuroplasticity that constitutes the rationale for neuromodulation in human medicine. Additionally, the clinical use of these techniques will be described with special regard to safety and avoidance of complications.

Methadone and buprenorphine are the only two opioids that are indicated for the management of both pain and opioid-related drug addiction. Both present unique challenges to the general practitioner and pain specialist, requiring a separate analysis from the rest of the drugs in the same family.

Handbook of Methadone Prescribing and Buprenorphine Therapy is an invaluable guide to the safe use of these opioids. Authored by clinical and academic leaders from a variety of settings and backgrounds, this book includes chapters on pharmacology, adverse effects, safe rotation from other opioids, cardiac toxicity, prescribing, pharmacokinetics, equianalgesic dose and replacement therapy.

This comprehensive text provides clinicians, researchers, policy-makers and academicians a resource for all the relevant points in methadone prescribing and buprenorphine therapy.