Which medication should a nurse plan to include in teaching for a client who is pregnant and has opioid use disorder?

In managing opioid use disorder during pregnancy, methadone is recommended due to its effectiveness in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while allowing for a more stable and controlled approach to treatment. Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that can help maintain the maternal and fetal health, minimizing the risk of complications associated with opioid withdrawal.

Using methadone can also help mitigate the risk of fetal harm that may occur if the mother experiences relapse or withdrawal. It assists in achieving a stable dose that can be maintained throughout the pregnancy, promoting better prenatal outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

While alternatives such as buprenorphine can also be used for opioid dependence, methadone remains a widely accepted and effective option specifically highlighted in treatment guidelines for pregnant individuals experiencing opioid use disorder. Bupropion is primarily used for depression and smoking cessation, and naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used for treating opioid dependence but not for pregnant individuals due to potential withdrawal symptoms it may cause. Thus, methadone is the most appropriate medication to include in teaching for this client.