Methadone or buprenorphine? The choice of substitution therapy in pregnant opioid dependent women

Pregnant opioid dependent women have an increased risk of complications both during pregnancy and delivery. Substitution therapy can considerably reduce this risk. Unfortunately, this treatment is not without its side effects, often associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which requires...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jadwiga Zalewska-Kaszubska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Termedia Publishing House 2019-01-01
Series:Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.termedia.pl/Methadone-or-buprenorphine-r-nThe-choice-of-substitution-therapy-r-nin-pregnant-opioid-dependent-women,117,34668,1,1.html
Description
Summary:Pregnant opioid dependent women have an increased risk of complications both during pregnancy and delivery. Substitution therapy can considerably reduce this risk. Unfortunately, this treatment is not without its side effects, often associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which requires treatment. Methadone and buprenorphine used as substitution therapy, mitigate extreme fluctuations in the concentration of opioids in the blood, which may occur during uncontrolled opioids abuse. The use of buprenorphine is associated with a lower risk of premature delivery, milder withdrawal symptoms and better neonatal health. However, women receiving buprenorphine discontinued therapy more often. Therefore, methadone is preferred in substitution therapy, especially in women who require higher doses of opioids in order to achieve homeostasis.
ISSN:0867-4361
1689-3530