Addiction Medicine
More than 115 Americans or 1 every 12 minutes die each day from an accidentally overdose of an opioid, and the term Opioid Epidemic is used to describe this health crisis.
Today we have medications that help control withdrawal and the cravings that are associated with Prescription Pain Pills, Heroin and Fentanyl addictions. Medications used to treat Opioid Addiction decrease the urges to use, others stop the pleasure from the high.
Addiction Medications
Suboxone, Subutex, Vivitrol and a new medication Sublocade: Medical Treatment for the Opioid Epidemic
Addictions are brain diseases, and like other diseases can be treated with medications that target specific areas of the brain involved with cravings and relapse . Medications are also used to treat co-occurring psychiatric and medical disorders.
- Harvard University Trained Psychiatrist
- Board Certified Addiction Medicine Physician
- DEA Licensed Suboxone, Vivitrol Prescriber
- DEA Licensed Sublocade Prescriber-New Treatment
- FDA Approved Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) Provider
Dr. Kittay specializes in Treating Alcohol and Drug Addiction with Medications to:
- Make Outpatient Home Detoxification Feasible, Safe and Comfortable;
- Maintain Sobriety, Manage Cravings and Prevent Relapse;
- Treat “Dual Diagnosis”: Addictions and Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders;
- Treat Poly addictions: Addictions to more than one substance.
These are the 3 most commonly prescribed by Dr. Kittay:
Vivitrol
Vivitrol (naltrexone) is a medication that Dr. Kittay prescribes in the treatment of Prescription Pain Pills, Heroin, and Fentanyl. As noted below, It can also be used for Alcohol Addiction. In pill form naltrexone is called Rivia, and as a once monthly injectable formulation Vivitrol. It is a highly effective and safe treatment used to reduce cravings and help prevent relapse.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a highly effective and safe treatment that Dr. Kittay uses for Prescription Pain Pill, Heroin and Fentanyl detox, and also to manage cravings and prevent relapse. It works on the same brain receptors as Opioids. It replaces or substitutes for these street drugs, and prevents abuse of other opioids. A Similar drug, Subutex is used under special circumstances such as in women during pregnancy.
Sublocade
Sublocade is a new breakthrough (2018) FDA approved medication for opioid addiction. Dr. Kittay is a DEA licensed prescriber of this long acting medication that is taken once every 30 days to treat Prescription Pain Pill, Heroin and Fentanyl Addiction. It is a monthly extended release formulation of the same active medication found in Suboxone . Because it is given monthly, the risk of relapse, abuse or diversion are significantly reduced.
Alcohol Addiction Medications
Alcohol Use related deaths is 10 times more than those caused by the opioid epidemic. Today we have medications that help control withdrawal and the cravings associated with Alcohol addiction. These medications are safe and easy to use. Medications used to treat Alcohol Addiction minimize cravings, reduce the pleasurable experience, partially substitute for alcohol, or make you sick if you drink. In some cases, combination of medications may be beneficial.
Vivitrol (naltrexone) is a medication that Dr. Kittay prescribes in the treatment of Alcohol Addiction. In pill form it is called Rivia, and as a once monthly injectable formulation Vivitrol. It is a highly effective and safe treatment to reduce cravings in alcohol addiction. He recommends it for patients aiming to cut down their alcohol intake, and who do not have severe liver disease.
Campral is another medication that is used in the treatment of Alcohol Addiction, It is recommended for those who have achieved and wish to maintain abstinence, or in patients with severe liver disease.
Antibuse is used in patients who are unable to manage their alcohol addiction with other medications. The combination of this medicine and alcohol will make you physically ill.
Medications for, Cocaine, Anxiety, Sleep, Stimulant and Marijuana Addictions
Today we have medications that help control withdrawal and the cravings that are associated with Cocaine, Anxiety, Sleep, Stimulant and Marijuana addictions. These medications are safe and easy to use.
- Anxiety Medications: Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium
- Sleep medications: Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata
- Stimulants: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Adderall
- Cannabis-Marijuana
Please go to “Addictions Treated” tab and select the addiction you are concerned with for details about these medications.
The Art of Addiction Medicine: Your “Personalized Medication Cocktail”
Every patient is different so it is understandable that their response to a particular medication is different. If a patient is hard to treat and continues to have problems with cravings or staying sober, Dr. Kittay often combines medications into a “Personalized Medication Cocktail” designed to improve treatment outcomes. Choosing the best medication combinations is part science, art and skill.
Combining Science, Experience and Skill
Dr. Kittay is an expert at designing a “Personalized Medication Cocktail” to treat difficult addiction cases. Which medications are best is based on patient preferences and clinical presentation.
Dr Kittay specializes in the treatment of:
- Dual Diagnosis: Addictions and Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders;
- Poly -Drug Dependency: Addictions to more than one substance;
- Substance Use Disorders in women during pregnancy and post-partum;
- Drug and Alcohol use associated with Anxiety, Depression And Sleep Disorders;
- Addictions related to the treatment of Medical Problems;
- Addictions related to the treatment of Pain Problems;
- Medical disorders related to addictions and high risk behaviors;
- Male Sexual Dysfunction related to Substance Use;
- Substance related suicidal thoughts and behaviors;
Addictions treated include:
- Alcohol
- Opioids: Prescription Pain Pills, Heroin, Fentanyl
- Anxiety Medications: Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium
- Sleep medications: Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata
- Stimulants: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Adderall