Medications for opioid dependence are used to treat opioid use disorder, manage withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse. They work by either reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and/or blocking the effects of opioids. Common classes include opioid agonists, partial opioid agonists, and opioid antagonists. Opioid agonists like methadone (Methadose) are usually taken as oral solutions or tablets. Partial agonists, such as buprenorphine (Suboclade, Brixadi) and buprenorphine /naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv) come in oral, sublingual, and injectable forms. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist available as a tablet and injectable form. These options provide different ways to help you manage opioid dependence effectively.
