Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

There are effective medications available to treat addiction and help individuals on their road to recovery. These medications work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery and increase their chances of success. Below is a list of the different medications available for addiction treatment, how they work, and their benefits.

Medication Options for Opioid Use Disorder

Medicine Name (brand name) How It's Used How It Works Comments
Buprenorphine (suboxone, zubsolve) Suboxone: Film that melts under your tongue (lime flavor).

Zubsolv: Tablet that melts under your tongue (menthol flavor).
  • Reduces drug cravings
  • Helps prevent withdrawal symptoms.
  • Blocks the effects of opioids, but opioids are still effective for pain
  • Overdose on this medication is difficult
 Can be given in any outpatient or inpatient practice
Buprenorphine injection (sublocade) A subcutaneous injection given once a month
  • Provides stable blood levels of buprenorphine over 1 month
  • Helps if you have trouble remembering to take pills
  • Reduces drug cravings
  • Helps prevent withdrawal symptoms.
  • Blocks the effects of opioids, but opioids are still effective for pain
  • Overdose on this medication is difficult
 Can be given in any outpatient or inpatient practice
Methadone (dolophine) Once a day oral solution
  • Reduces drug cravings
  • Helps prevent withdrawal symptoms
  • Blocks the effects of opioids, but opioids are still effective for pain
 Can only be given through an opioid treatment program
Extended-Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol) Once a month intramuscular injection
  • Blocks the effects of opioids, so you cannot get high even if you use drugs
  • Must be completely off of opioids for several days before starting this medications
  • You can overdose if you use opioids after the effects of the injection wear off
Can be given in any outpatient or inpatient practice

Not a controlled substance

Overview of OUD Medication Effectiveness

Reduces Opioid Cravings Reduces Illicit Opioid Use Reduces Risk of Opioid Overdose
Methadone Yes Yes Yes
Buprenophine Yes Yes Yes
Naltrexone Yes Yes Inconclusive