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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Event. Relapse can occur in up to 90% of patients within the first 2 months unless treated with medications for maintenance, like MAT. Medically-supervised treatment can help you stay off of opiates by blocking the euphoria (high) that is experienced.Drug treatments for detoxification and long-term maintenance are most effective when combined with a medication compliance program and behavioral or "talk" therapy. These medications can relieve opioid cravings without producing the "high" or dangerous side effects of other opioids. While either one can be used individually, the risk for relapse is high when used alone.These treatments work by binding fully or partially to opiate receptors in the brain and work as agonists, antagonists or a combination of the two.Agonists and partial agonists mimic the action of the opiate and work at the same receptors as heroin or other opioids. Partial opioid agonists activate opioids receptors to a smaller extent.Antagonists block and reverse the action of the opiate.Oral administration of these drugs may allow for a more gradual withdrawal from opiates.A long-acting intramuscular depot formulation of naltrexone (Vivitrol) is also available for use following opiate detoxification.There is an additional safety factor by undergoing MAT: those who lose their tolerance to opioids (for example, after having gone through a withdrawal program or just stopping on their own) are at risk of a fatal overdose if they return to opioid use, so supervision by a healthcare professional can save lives.Medicines Used in the Treatment of Opioid Use DisorderGeneric nameBrand nameSpecial considerationsbuprenorphineProbuphine, Sublocade, Subutux (Subutex discontinued, generic available)Partial opioid agonist (activates opioids receptors to a smaller effect); commonly used with naloxone. Probuphine is a long-acting (6-month) subdermal implant; Sublocade is a once-monthly depot injection; can be prescribed by certified healthcare providers and eliminates the need to visit specialized treatment clinics.buprenorphine and naloxoneSuboxone (and generics), ZubsolvPartial
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