Which medication is an opioid antagonist used after two weeks of remission?

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is specifically designed for individuals who have achieved a period of abstinence, typically two weeks or more. Its purpose is to help prevent relapse by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. When someone takes naltrexone, it attaches to the opioid receptors without activating them, which means that if they were to use opioids while on this medication, they would not experience the euphoric effects that often lead to continued use. This quality makes naltrexone a suitable option for individuals seeking to maintain sobriety after a period of remission.

In contrast, other options serve different purposes in opioid treatment. Methadone and buprenorphine are used as part of medication-assisted treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and cravings rather than to block opioid effects. Naloxone, while it is an opioid antagonist as well, is primarily used in emergency situations to reverse opioid overdoses rather than for ongoing maintenance following remission. Thus, naltrexone stands out as the appropriate medication for someone looking to maintain their recovery after a significant period of abstinence.