7
MEDICATION
Most treatment plans will include medication. The type of
medication chosen depends on a number of factors, including the
patient's different situations and the treatment setting.
• The most common medications used in the treatment
of opioid addiction are methadone, buprenorphine and
naltrexone.
• Counseling is recommended with the use of each of these
medications.
• Each medication works in a different way and has its own
risks and benefits. It also has a special way to be started—
once started, it can be safely taken for years. The clinician
and the patient should review together the risks and benefits
of each medication.
• When used properly, these medications will NOT create a
new addiction – rather they help patients manage addiction
so they can recover.
MEDICATIONS TO TREAT OPIOID ADDICTION
Medication Brand Names
Buprenorphine Probuphine*, generics
Buprenorphine and naloxone Suboxone®, Zubsolv®,
Bunavail®, generics
Methadone generics
Naltrexone Vivitrol® (injection), generics
If the first medication selected does not work well, the
patient can discuss with the clinician to find the right
medication for his/her needs.
* Recently approved by the FDA for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence
in certain patients.
