Dosage regimens of buprenorphine achieving rapid pain relief without increasing nausea, vomiting, or other adverse effects, are described. Also described are buprenorphine dosage regimens for treating chronic pain comprising administering to the patient (1) a first buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a first dosing period that is no more than about 5 days; (2) a second buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a second dosing period that is no more than 5 days, the second dosage form comprising the same dosage of buprenorphine as, or a greater dosage of buprenorphine than, the first dosage form; and (3) a third buprenorphine-containing transdermal dosage form for a third dosing period, the third dosage form comprising a greater dosage of buprenorphine than the second dosage form.