While
butorphanol can be made from thebaine, it is usually
manufactured synthetically. It was initially available
in injectable formulations for human (Stadol®)
and veterinary (Torbugesic® and Torbutrol®)
use. More recently, a nasal spray (Stadol NS®)
became available, and significant diversion and
abuse of this product led to the 1997 control
of butorphanol in Schedule IV of the CSA. Butorphanol
is a clear example of a drug gaining favor as
a drug of abuse only after it became available
in a form that facilitated its mode of administration
(nasal spray v. injection).
Source: DEA
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