Doctors who treat opioid addiction also have the option of using “medication therapy,” and the most common medications used to treat opioid addiction today are methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine (Suboxone). Medication-assisted treatment options help patients stay sober while reducing withdrawal side effects and curbing cravings.
Most people are unable to break away from opioid addiction. They need help to change their thinking, behavior and environment. Unfortunately, “quitting cold turkey” has a poor success rate – less than 25% of patients are able to remain abstinent for a year. Medication-assisted treatment options such as methadone, naltrexone, and Suboxone help patients stay sober while reducing the side effects of withdrawal and curbing cravings that can lead to relapse.
Methadone
Methadone tablets in pakistan is an opioid and has been the standard form of medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence and addiction for more than 30 years. Methadone for the treatment of opioid addiction is available only in federally regulated clinics, which are few and far between and unpalatable to most patients. Additionally, studies show that participation in a methadone program improves both physical and mental health and reduces mortality (deaths) from opioid addiction. Like Suboxone, when taken correctly, methadone medication-assisted treatment suppresses opioid withdrawal, blocks the effects of other problematic opioids, and reduces cravings.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid blocker that is also useful in the treatment of opioid addiction. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and pain-relieving effects of heroin and most other opioids. This type of drug treatment does not have addictive properties, does not cause physical dependence and does not develop tolerance. Unlike methadone or Suboxone, it has several disadvantages. It does not suppress withdrawal or cravings. Therefore, many patients are not motivated enough to take it regularly. It should not be started until the patient has been off all opioids for at least two weeks, although many patients are unable to maintain abstinence during this waiting period. Also, the risk of overdose death increases if patients relapse after starting naltrexone.
Buprenorphine / Subutex / Suboxone
In 2002, the FDA approved the use of the unique opioid buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone) for the treatment of opioid addiction in the U.S. Buprenorphine has numerous advantages over methadone tablet and naltrexone. As a drug-assisted treatment, it suppresses withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids, does not cause euphoria in the opioid-dependent patient, and blocks the effects of other (problem) opioids for at least 24 hours. Success rates, measured by retention in treatment and one-year sobriety, have been reported as high as 40-60% in some studies. Treatment does not require participation in a highly regulated federal program such as a methadone clinic. Because buprenorphine does not induce euphoria in opioid-dependent patients, its abuse potential is significantly lower than that of methadone.
What is Drug Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction may include the use of buprenorphine (Suboxone) to complement education, counseling, and other support measures that focus on the behavioral aspects of opioid addiction. This drug can allow a person to regain a normal state of mind—free from the highs and lows of withdrawal, cravings, and drug addiction. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence and addiction is similar to using medication to treat other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes. Taking medication for opioid addiction is NOT the same as replacing one addictive drug with another. Methadone tablet price in pakistan is around between 20000 to 25000 due to US dollar rates go up and down.