Medicines used to treat opioid use disorder

People who take opioids over a long period of time are at risk of developing opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder is described as having cravings to use opioids, inability to control the use of opioids, and continued use despite having negative health and life-related consequences.

In some people, opioids can boost feelings of pleasure and create a sense of well-being. Once those feelings wear off, a person may take more opioids to get those feelings again. Over time, these individuals may need to take larger quantities to get the same feelings. This is how dependence starts. Opioid use disorder can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death.

People who take medicines to treat opioid use disorder should breastfeed as long as they are not taking illicit substances. For babies who were exposed to opioids in the womb, breastfeeding while on medicines for opioid use disorder can reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Medicines for treating opioid use disorder should be continued while breastfeeding as the benefits generally outweigh risks. Discuss medicines for the treatment of opioid use disorder with your healthcare professional. Common medicines for opioid use disorder include:

• Methadone. Methadone is a long-acting opioid that reduces the effects of other opioids and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone helps individuals achieve and maintain recovery. Methadone is prescribed by a certified opioid treatment program.

  Methadone enters breast milk but in amounts considered to be safe while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is encouraged if you are stable on long-term methadone treatment. Though unlikely, if your baby shows signs of drowsiness or breathing difficulties, contact your healthcare professional. Stopping breastfeeding, when planned, should be done gradually to reduce risks of withdrawal in the infant.

• Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine has some effects of opioids but also blocks other effects of opioids. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and helps individuals achieve and maintain recovery.

  Buprenorphine is considered safe while breastfeeding because only small amounts of the medicine pass into the breast milk. Though unlikely, if you see signs of drowsiness or breathing difficulties in your baby, contact your healthcare professional. Stopping breastfeeding, when planned, should be done gradually to reduce risks of withdrawal in the infant.

• Naltrexone. Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids and is used as a long-term medicine to treat opioid use disorder.

  Naltrexone crosses into breast milk in very small amounts but does not cause any harmful effects in the breastfed baby. If you are taking naltrexone, it is safe to continue to breastfeed.