This is a semi-synthetic opiate with partial agonist activity at the mu receptor. For an example of what a partial agonist is - see attached illustration. It is used in opioid addiction but is not as regulated as methadone clinics. Take a small course and you are licensed to prescribed it. Primary caregivers are now able to administer buprenorphine to assist addicts though it is not recommended if the patient is requiring more than 40mg of methadone (rules out everyone in Baltimore).
The tablets (Suboxone) also contain naloxone to prevent intravenous injection which would induce withdrawal. Naloxone is not orally bioavailable and thus can be mixed into the pill.
Overdose is treated like any other opioid and naloxone should work.
Buprenorphine can illicit an opioid withdrawal response if the patient is currently on an opioid and then takes buprenorphine.
Suppose to be safer than methadone - no QT prolongation and less respiratory depression
