7
MEDICATIONS TO TREAT OPIOID ADDICTION
Medication Brand Names
Buprenorphine Sublocade® (Injection), Brixadi® (injection),
Probuphine® (implant), generics (films or
tablets)
Buprenorphine
and naloxone
Bunavail®, Cassipa®, Suboxone®, Zubsolv®,
generics (films or tablets)
Methadone generics (liquid or tablets to dissolve in water)
Extended release
naltrexone
Vivitrol® (injection)
WITHDRAWAL
• Opioid withdrawal refers to the wide range of painful and
unpleasant symptoms that occur after stopping or cutting
down on the use of opioids. Withdrawal can last more than
10 days but is most often between 3–5 days.
• Although it can cause very troubling symptoms (such as
vomiting, cramps and sweating), opioid withdrawal is rarely
life-threatening.
• Using medications to control withdrawal (also called withdrawal
management) is almost always recommended over trying to
endure withdrawal without treatment. When patients do try
to stop using opioids without treatment it can lead to stronger
cravings and continued use.
• Withdrawal management on its own is not a treatment for opioid
addiction and may increase the risk of relapse, overdose, and
overdose death.
• When treating someone for opioid addiction, medication
(methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone) in combination with
counseling and other support is usually recommended.
• Lofexidine and clonidine are safe and effective for
management of opioid withdrawal, but methadone and
buprenorphine are more effective and can be continued for the
treatment of opioid addiction.
• Opioid withdrawal management using ultra-rapid opioid
detoxification (UROD) is not recommended due to high risk for
adverse events including death.
