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HOW DO THESE MEDICATIONS WORK?
Methadone
Long-lasting effect
• Effect: Acts on the same areas of the brain as opioid medications or
drugs but with longer lasting effects to stabilize activity in these areas
• Use: Treatment of opioid withdrawal and long-term treatment
for opioid addiction
• PROs: Works well to prevent withdrawal, cravings, and use of
illicit opioids; reduces risk for opioid overdose death
• CONs:
» Frequent clinic visits
» Can cause overdose if not taken as directed by the clinician
» Risk for overdose when combined with alcohol or sedatives
Buprenorphine
Often combined with naloxone
• Effect: Acts on the same areas of the brain as opioid medications or
drugs but with longer lasting effects to stabilize activity in these areas
• Use: Treatment of opioid withdrawal and long-term treatment
for opioid addiction
• PROs: Works well to prevent withdrawal, cravings, and use of
illicit opioids; reduces risk for opioid overdose death
• CONs: Risk for overdose when combined with alcohol or
sedatives
Naltrexone
• Effect: Blocks effect of opioids
• Use: Prevent relapse in patients who are no longer dependent
on opioids
• PROs: No risk for dependence; reduces cravings
• CONs: Patients are more likely to drop out of treatment with
naltrexone
Naloxone
Short-acting effect
• Effect: Blocks effect of opioids
• Use: Treats opioid overdose
• PROs: Saves lives
• CONs: May cause opioid withdrawal symptoms
