PRESCRIPTION OPIATES AND BUPRENORPHINE

Several options are available for treating prescription opioid addiction. These options are drawn from research regarding the treatment of heroin addiction, and include medications such as naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine, as well as behavioral counseling.

Naltrexone is a medication that blocks opioid effects and is used to treat opioid overdose and addiction. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that inhibits the effect of heroin and other opioids, eliminates withdrawal symptoms, and eases drug craving. It has been used successfully for many years to treat heroin addiction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved buprenorphine in 2002, after more than a decade of research supported by NIDA. Buprenorphine can be prescribed by certified physicians in an office setting. It is long lasting and less likely to cause respiratory depression than other drugs. It is also well tolerated.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse