Naltrexone: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, and Safety Information

Naltrexone, a prescription medication, is used to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. In addition, it belongs to a class of medicines known as opioid antagonists. Unlike opioid medications, naltrexone does not produce opioid-like effects. Instead, it works by blocking opioids from activating certain receptors in the brain. naltrexone for sale online

Furthermore, naltrexone is available as an oral tablet and, in some countries, as a long-acting injection. Generally, it is used alongside counseling, behavioral therapy, support programs, or other appropriate treatments.

Because naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, individuals must be free from opioids for an appropriate period before starting treatment. In particular, beginning naltrexone too soon after opioid use can trigger sudden and severe opioid withdrawal.

What is naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a prescribed drug aimed at addressing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) by diminishing cravings and aiding in the management of physiological dependence. Naltrexone functions by obstructing the effects of alcohol and opioid medications, thereby averting the feelings of euphoria and intoxication (the “buzz”) that these substances induce. Additionally, it aids in diminishing the desire or cravings for alcohol or opioids.

Naltrexone assists individuals with alcohol use disorder in reducing their drinking behaviors and preventing relapses, leading to a gradual decline in alcohol cravings. Naltrexone is used to treat opioid use disorder by blocking feelings of euphoria and decreasing physiological dependence on opioids like morphine, heroin, and codeine, thereby assisting individuals in avoiding relapses and maintaining an opioid-free status.

Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is utilized for conditions like fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and complex regional pain syndrome, as it may serve as an anti-inflammatory agent in the central nervous system. Using low-dose naltrexone is considered off-label and lacks FDA approval for these conditions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Use of opioid-containing medications or alcohol within the past 7 to 10 days
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to naltrexone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What Is Naltrexone Used For?

Naltrexone is mainly authorized for two disorders: alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.

Naltrexone can diminish the pleasurable effects linked to alcohol and may aid in reducing alcohol cravings or excessive drinking in individuals with alcohol use disorder. It does not lead to intoxication or have a sedative effect.

Naltrexone aids in preventing opioids from eliciting their usual effects in cases of opioid use disorder by blocking opioid receptors. This can serve as a useful component of a thorough recovery plan for individuals who have completed opioid withdrawal.

Naltrexone does not address the psychological, social, or behavioral facets of addiction. Thus, counseling and other types of continuous support can be significant during treatment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Opioids, such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Disulfiram

This list might not cover all possible interactions. Provide your health care provider with a list of all medications, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements you are taking. Inform them also if you consume alcohol, smoke, or take illegal substances. Some products may react with your medication.

Storage

Keep the medicine in a sealed container at room temperature, away from heat, humidity, and direct light. Avoid freezing.

Keep it away from children.

Avoid retaining medications that are outdated or no longer necessary.

Consult your healthcare provider about the proper disposal of any unused medications.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

While you are taking this medication, your condition will be monitored closely. See your care team for routine evaluations of your progress. To ensure this medication works as well as possible, it is important that you participate in any counseling or support groups recommended by your care team. Avoid trying to counteract the medication’s effects by consuming excessive quantities of alcohol or opioids. This can lead to serious issues, even fatality. After discontinuing this medication, you may find that you are more sensitive to lower doses of opioids.

If you will be having surgery, inform your care team that you are on this medication.

Avoid self-treatment for coughs, colds, pain, or diarrhea. Request advice from your care team. This medication may interact with certain ingredients, leading to side effects.

Don a medical ID chain or bracelet. Have a card with you that explains your condition. On the card, note the medications and dosages you take.

Your coordination, reaction time, or judgment may be affected by this medication. Until you are aware of how this medication affects you, do not drive or use machinery. To lessen the chance of feeling faint or dizzy, sit up or stand slowly. Consuming alcohol while on this medication can elevate the likelihood of these side effects occurring. naltrexone for sale online

Naltrexone side effects

Common naltrexone side effects
Common side effects of naltrexone may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, sleep problems (insomnia), tooth pain or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, feeling, anxious or nervous.

Serious naltrexone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Using opioid medicine while you are receiving this medicine could stimulate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms are craving for opioids, sweating, yawning, fever, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, tingling, goose bumps, body aches, shaking, muscle twitching, trouble sleeping, feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, restless or uneasy.

Naltrexone may cause other serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• cough that does not go away;
• signs of a certain type of pneumonia caused by an allergic reaction, such as a new or worseningcough, wheezing, or trouble breathing;
• severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• severe pain, swelling, blistering, skin changes, a dark scab, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected;
• liver problems – stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, tiredness, vomiting, loss of appetite, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• symptoms of depression – unusual mood or behavior changes, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, crying, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself.

Inform your healthcare provider about any bothersome side effects or those that persist.

This list of side effects is not exhaustive, and other effects may arise. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor. Side effects can be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naltrexone

Does naltrexone reduce alcohol cravings?

For some individuals, naltrexone can diminish the desire for alcohol and the pleasurable effects it brings. Responses differ from person to person, and it is typically utilized in conjunction with thorough treatment and assistance.

Can naltrexone cause withdrawal?

In individuals who are not physically dependent on opioids, naltrexone itself usually does not induce opioid withdrawal. Nonetheless, initiating it while opioids are still in the system can cause sudden and intense withdrawal.

Can I take opioids while using naltrexone?

Naltrexone inhibits opioid receptors, which means that opioids might not have their typical effects. It can be highly risky and even lethal to try to surmount the blockade by raising the opioid dosage.

Does naltrexone damage the liver?

Naltrexone can lead to liver-related issues, especially with higher exposures. Individuals suffering from liver disease ought to talk to a healthcare professional about their condition prior to treatment.

Is naltrexone addictive?

Naltrexone is not classified as an opioid and does not lead to the euphoric effects associated with opioids. It is not regarded as an addictive medication like opioid agonists.