Future Directions Incorporating Novel Medications to Reduce Repeat Overdose

Abstract

The use of opioids has risen dramatically in the USA and led to an increase in opioid use disorders and deaths due to opioid-related overdoses. Current treatments for opioid use disorder are not without drawbacks, so that new treatments may be helpful in reducing opioid use. This paper reviews current pharmacologic treatments for opioid use disorder as well as emerging novel treatments that may change or improve approaches to treatment. The current treatments for opioid use disorder are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Of the three, methadone has been the most studied and longest treatment used. However, because of limitations with prescribing and safety concerns with methadone, buprenorphine is becoming a widely used pharmacologic treatment alternative. Naltrexone remains less commonly utilized. New treatments such as lorcaserin and medicinal cannabis have potential to make an impact in addressing the opioid epidemic; however, controlled human studies are needed to assess their full potential. Current treatments for opioid use disorder are beneficial, but have the disadvantage of abuse potential, compliance concerns, and prescribing limitations. Novel pharmacologic treatments may be able to address these concerns. Future research should continue to evaluate the efficacy of novel medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder.