If you’re pregnant and stress about what you intake- Buprenorphine or Methadone to manage opioid disorder, then don’t worry! Here in this article, we have covered everything for you.
Well, we know that Pregnancy is not only about you, it is also about your baby. Thus, choosing the right medication is critical for maternal and fetal health. Buprenorphine or methadone-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is beneficial in assisting expecting mothers in lowering the dangers related to opioid usage.
However, making educated judgments based on unique circumstances is crucial for patients and healthcare providers since each option has pros and downsides of its own. So, let’s scroll down this article and find the genuine information.
Understanding MAT During Pregnancy
MAT combines medications like buprenorphine and methadone with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive treatment approach for opioid addiction. During pregnancy, MAT is vital because it stabilizes the mother’s opioid use, reducing the risk of relapse and helping ensure a healthier pregnancy outcome.
Buprenorphine in Pregnancy
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but produces less intense effects compared to full agonists like methadone. It has gained popularity in treating pregnant women with opioid use disorder due to its lower risk of overdose and milder withdrawal effects.
Benefits of Buprenorphine:
- Lower Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Risk: Buprenorphine is associated with a reduced risk of NAS in newborns, meaning fewer babies experience opioid withdrawal after birth.
- Safer Dosing: Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, which reduces the risk of overdose.
- Outpatient Use: Buprenorphine can be prescribed outside of clinics, making it more convenient for pregnant women who may find it difficult to attend daily clinic visits.
Drawbacks of Buprenorphine:
- Limited Accessibility: It can be more challenging to find a provider who is certified to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
- Potential for Relapse: Since buprenorphine is not as potent as methadone, some patients may not experience the same level of craving relief, leading to a risk of relapse.
Why MAT is recommended during Pregnancy?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), low birth weight, and early birth are only a few of the major health problems that might result from OUD during pregnancy. For treating OUD during pregnancy, MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) is the gold standard since it offers stability, lowers the risk of recurrence, and enhances the health of the mother.
Through the substitution of medically supervised opioid substitutes such as methadone or buprenorphine, MAT lessens the risk to the unborn child while reducing the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings.
Buprenorphine vs. Methadone: An In-depth Overview!
As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine stimulates brain opioid receptors, but not as much as complete agonists such as methadone. Its main advantages are:
- Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect, which means that the risk of overdosing is diminished because it reaches a fixed level.
- Research indicates that infants born to moms receiving buprenorphine treatment had less severe NAS symptoms than infants exposed to methadone.
- In certain circumstances, buprenorphine can be prescribed for take-home usage, negating the need for daily clinic visits. This can be more convenient for expectant mothers who are juggling other obligations.
Please note, Buprenorphine has benefits, but it might not be right for everyone.
- A pregnant woman may have withdrawal symptoms if she moves from methadone to buprenorphine.
- Depending on the locale and healthcare provider, buprenorphine may not be as commonly available as methadone.
Methadone
As the primary component of MAT for many years, methadone is a complete opioid agonist. Its few advantages are:
- Methadone has been studied in great detail and has been used successfully to treat OUD in expectant mothers.
- Methadone can be increased to a greater dose if needed, which is advantageous for people who have used opioids for a long time.
- Methadone is usually given in clinics, providing a more regulated and closely watched method that could be beneficial for people requiring ongoing assistance.
Like Buprenorphine, Methadone also comes with challenges, such as:
- Pregnancy-related methadone usage is linked to an increased risk of NAS in offspring, although symptoms can be controlled with appropriate neonatal care.
- Methadone dosage needs daily clinic visits, which can be logistically challenging, particularly for expectant mothers who have other responsibilities.
Buprenorphine vs. Methadone: Which is better?
Well, the choice of treatment depends on several criteria, although both buprenorphine and methadone have been demonstrated to improve pregnancy outcomes in women with OUD:
Severity of OUD: Patients with more severe cases of OUD might benefit more from methadone, while those with less severe cases might benefit more from buprenorphine.
Treatment accessibility: While buprenorphine is frequently given for outpatient use and provides more flexibility, methadone is more common in clinic settings.
Personal preferences: Methadone may be more beneficial for women who require more structured support, and buprenorphine may be preferred by those who seek a less invasive treatment requiring fewer clinic visits.
Choose the Right MAT Option- Bold Steps!
Both buprenorphine and methadone are effective treatments for opioid use disorder during pregnancy, but comprehensive care is essential to achieving the best outcomes for both mother and baby. At Bold Steps Behavioral Health, we understand the unique challenges pregnant women face when seeking addiction treatment. We offer Medication-Assisted Treatment combined with mental health counseling and addiction recovery programs designed to meet the needs of pregnant women.
Bold Steps is the best addiction treatment center in Pennsylvania for medication management services. Expectant moms should be encouraged to have in-depth conversations with our treatment providers about the alternatives, taking into account several aspects such as your OUD severity, personal preferences, and availability of care.
Conclusion
Pregnant women with opioid addiction can benefit greatly from MAT using either buprenorphine or methadone. Each treatment option has its advantages and potential drawbacks, and the right choice depends on individual circumstances. By seeking the support of experienced professionals and engaging in a comprehensive treatment plan, pregnant women can significantly improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy and a successful recovery. Take the first step toward recovery and contact us at (717) 896-1880 today.
FAQ: Buprenorphine vs. Methadone
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine or methadone with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid addiction. It is a comprehensive approach that helps manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and promote recovery.
Is MAT safe for pregnant women?
Yes, MAT is considered safe and effective for pregnant women when administered under medical supervision. It helps reduce the risks associated with opioid use during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
What is the difference between buprenorphine and methadone in MAT?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, while methadone is a full opioid agonist. Buprenorphine tends to have a lower risk of overdose and a reduced likelihood of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Methadone provides stronger relief for severe opioid addiction but requires daily clinic visits and has a higher NAS risk.
Can I take buprenorphine or methadone while pregnant?
Yes, both buprenorphine and methadone are commonly used in MAT for pregnant women. Your healthcare provider will determine which option is best for you based on the severity of your addiction and other individual factors.
What are the risks of not receiving MAT during pregnancy?
Without MAT, pregnant women with opioid use disorder are at a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, stillbirth, and health complications for both the mother and baby. MAT helps stabilize opioid use and improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
