Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Also known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

What is Medicated for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)?

MOUD is an addiction therapy to help people with an addiction to opioids or other narcotics on their recovery journey. The goal of MOUD is to use medication to treat your dependence on opioids and to prevent overdose and/or death.

How does MOUD work?

During MOUD, you will be given a medication the amount and frequency will be personalized to you. This medication will help: ease withdrawal symptoms during detox, decrease cravings in the early stages of recovery, stop the ability to get a high from narcotics, make substance use less enjoyable by causing side effects when consumed, decrease the chances of returning to narcotic and/or opioid use.

What Medications Are Used in MOUD?

There are three FDA approved medications for MOUD. They are methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. The decision to use any of these medications will be made between you and your provider based on your personal situation. 

 Is MOUD Right for Me? 

MOUD offers the support you need to overcome addiction. If you are dependent on opioids such as narcotics or heroin, MOUD might be able to help you on the path to recovery. Please discuss your options with your primary care provider. 

Doctor and patient speaking

Things to Expect During Your Recovery:

Appointment frequency: At first you will have a lot of appointments with your provider until you have a plan in place that is working well for you. A Registered Nurses may call you for regular check-ins.

Behavioral health: Your provider may recommend a behavioral health assessment with a counselor.

Urine testing: This can help provide safe medical care. it is important for your provider to make sure that you are taking the medication as prescribed. This is not meant to “catch” anything or discharge you from treatment.

Important Things To Remember:

  • DO NOT STOP taking your medications without talking to your provider first. Even if you are feeling better, if you stop your medication suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
  • DO NOT SKIP your medications. Skipping or missing a dose of your medication may increase your chances of recurrent opioid use.
  • DO NOT INJECT your medication This could cause you to slow or stop your breathing. It could also cause overdose or death.
  • DO NOT MIX your mediations with other depressants such as alcohol or Benzodiazepines: lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, etc
  • DO NOT SHARE your medication with anyone. Everyone’s medication dose is different and may be harmful if not properly managed by a provider.
  • KEEP OUT OF REACH of children. It could cause slowed breathing or even death in kids.

What are Common Side Effect of MOUD?

Most of these common symptoms will go away after 2 weeks. 

Headaches

Nausea

Constipation

Dry Mouth

Trouble Sleeping

Muscle Cramps

Call 9-1-1 if you:

  • are seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
  • experience extreme sleepiness
  • have chest pain or discomfort
  • have slowed or difficulty breathing
  • have the worst headache of your life
  • notice your heart beats too fast
  • notice a change in ability to think
  • want to hurt yourself or others

Seek medical attention if you:

  • are agitated or angry
  • have a fever or are shivering
  • have tight muscles or muscle twitching
  • have loss of coordination
  • have nausea or are vomiting
  • have diarrhea

Contact your doctor if you:

  • become pregnant
  • Have any questions, concerns or requests about your medication

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1 million with 100 percent funded by HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views or, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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