Butorphanol is marketed as Stadol (human formulation, now discontinued as brand name) and Torbugesic (veterinary). As a potent κ-opioid receptor agonist with partial agonist/antagonist activity at the μ-receptor, it produces analgesia with less respiratory depression than morphine but a high incidence of dysphoria, vertigo, and hallucinatory experiences. Recreational reports describe darkened or tunnel vision, mild warmth, dissociative or salvia-like headspace, and amnestic episodes at higher doses. Can precipitate withdrawal in users dependent on strong μ-agonists (morphine, methadone, fentanyl). Concomitant CNS depressants markedly increase risk of respiratory depression.
Butorphanol molecular structure diagram from the DrugsPRO substance library.
Also known as: Stadol, Dolorex, Torbutrol, Torbugesic, Butorphanolum, LEVO-BC-2627
Classification
Chemical: Morphinan
Chemical: Opioid
Psychoactive: Depressant
Tag: Habit-Forming
Tag: Sedative
Effects
Analgesia
Physical Euphoria
Sedation
Vertigo
Nausea
Itchiness
Anxiety
Dizziness
Depersonalization
Derealization
Memory Suppression
Euphoria
Cognitive Dysphoria
Visual Suppression
Closed Eye Visuals
Dulled Perception
Decreased Libido
Increased Music Appreciation
Routes of Administration
Intranasal
Dosage
Threshold: 0.25 mg
Light: 0.5-1 mg
Common: 1-2 mg
Strong: 2-3 mg
Heavy: 3.5 mg
Duration
Onset: 0.17-0.25 h
Comeup: 0.25-0.5 h
Peak: 0.5-1.5 h
Offset: 1-2 h
After Effects: 2-6 h
Intravenous
Dosage
Threshold: 0.25 mg
Light: 500 ug
Common: 1 mg
Strong: 500 mg
Heavy: 500 mg
Duration
Onset: 0.02-0.05 h
Comeup: 0.08-0.25 h
Peak: 0.5-1.5 h
Offset: 1-2 h
After Effects: 2-6 h
Total Duration: 2-4 h
Intramuscular
Dosage
Threshold: 500 ug
Light: 1 mg
Common: 500 mg
Strong: 500 mg
Heavy: 500 mg
Duration
Onset: 0.17-0.5 h
Comeup: 0.33-0.67 h
Peak: 0.5-1.5 h
Offset: 1-2 h
After Effects: 2-6 h
Total Duration: 3-6 h
Oral
Dosage
Threshold: 4 mg
Light: 6 mg
Common: 8-12 mg
Strong: 16 mg
Heavy: ≥20 mg
Duration
Onset: 0.5-1 h
Comeup: 0.75-1.5 h
Peak: 1-2 h
Offset: 1-2 h
After Effects: 2-6 h
Total Duration: 3-6 h
Insufflated
Dosage
Heavy: ≥3.5 mg
Light: 0.5–1 mg
Common: 1–2 mg
Strong: 2–3 mg
Threshold: 0.25 mg
Duration
Onset: 0.17-0.5 h
Peak: 0.5-1.5 h
Offset: 1-2 h
After Effects: 2-6 h
Total Duration: 2-6 h
Harm Reduction
Check interactions before mixing substances, pay attention to dose spacing and hydration, and treat all dosage guidance as approximate rather than guaranteed safe.
Sources
Substance data is aggregated from the following public harm-reduction and reference sources.
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Butorphanol - DrugsPRO Substanzleitfaden
Butorphanol: Butorphanol is marketed as Stadol (human formulation, now discontinued as brand name) and Torbugesic (veterinary). As a potent κ-opioid receptor agonist with partial agonist/antagonist activity at the μ-receptor, it produces analgesia with less respiratory depression than morphine but a
