MAT involves the use of several medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid addiction. These include:
Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that helps decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids.
Each of these medications has unique properties and is selected based on the individual needs of the patient. Nurses must be familiar with the pharmacology of these medications, their potential side effects, and their interactions with other drugs.
