Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)-Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Pdf Summary

The document discusses medication options for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and provides an overview of each medication. The three main medications discussed are Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. <br /><br />Methadone is primarily used for patients who are physiologically dependent on opioids and meet federal criteria for Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) admission. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings and can block the euphoric effects of illicit opioids. Methadone is administered orally and can only be prescribed or administered by SAMHSA-certified OTPs.<br /><br />Buprenorphine is also used for physiologically dependent patients. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings and blocking the effects of illicit opioids. It can be administered sublingually on a daily basis or injected monthly in an XR formulation. Buprenorphine can be prescribed by medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and OTPs.<br /><br />Naltrexone is appropriate for patients who have abstained from opioids for a certain period of time. It works by blocking the euphoric effects of illicit opioids with no opioid effects of its own. Naltrexone is administered through an injection every four weeks or once per month and can be prescribed or administered by qualified healthcare professionals.<br /><br />The document also discusses the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Score (COWS), which is used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It provides a range of scores that categorize symptoms as mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe.<br /><br />Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of medication in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder and highlights the benefits and considerations of each medication option. It also mentions the need for trained providers to administer these medications and the significance of patient education in managing withdrawal symptoms and minimizing the risk of overdose.

Keywords

Medication options

Opioid Use Disorder

MOUD

Methadone

Buprenorphine

Naltrexone

Withdrawal symptoms

Cravings

Illicit opioids

Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Score