Which combination of medications has robust evidence supporting its use for patients with opioid use disorder?

The combination of buprenorphine-naloxone or methadone maintenance therapy is widely recognized for its robust evidence supporting effectiveness in treating opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the full effects of more potent opioids. When combined with naloxone, it deterred misuse, as naloxone can precipitate withdrawal if the combination is injected rather than taken as prescribed.

Methadone is another cornerstone treatment; it is a full opioid agonist used in a supervised setting to provide a stable dose, minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Both treatment options have undergone extensive research, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing illicit opioid use, improving retention in treatment programs, and enhancing overall functioning in patients.

Other combinations, such as codeine and hydrocodone or oxycodone and tramadol, represent opioids typically prescribed for pain management rather than evidence-based approaches for treating opioid use disorder. Naltrexone and naloxone, though relevant in opioid management, do not present as a primary combination for the disorder. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist aimed at preventing relapse, but it is not often the first line of treatment when considering the comprehensive management of opioid