Naltrexone

Everything You Need To Know About Naltrexone

Overview

Naltrexone is used to help narcotic dependents who have started their journey toward a narcotics-free life to stay drug-free. The drug is also effective in helping alcoholics stay alcohol-free. This medicine should not be considered a cure for addiction. Naltrexone is prescribed as part of a strategy including counseling, participating in support group meetings, and other treatment methods recommended by a doctor. Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of narcotics. It blocks the "high" feeling that makes one desire alcohol.

Naltrexone is known to cause withdrawal symptoms in individuals physically dependent on narcotics. The treatment is started only after the patient is no longer dependent on narcotics. The actual time length for this medicine to work depends on various factors, including

  • Amount of drugs one took in the past
  • The period for which he/she took it

Before starting the treatment, you must inform your doctor about any withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing. The availability of this medicine is allowed only with a doctor's prescription. Naltrexone is commonly available in the form of tablets.

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a prescription medication recommended for the treatment of the following:

  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Opioid use disorder

The medication helps patients stop using the above-said substances and maintain complete abstinence. Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs referred to as opioid antagonists. It blocks the mu-opioid receptor and the pleasure effects of alcohol and opioid medications. Naltrexone is also known to modify the interaction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, HPA axis) while suppressing the amount of alcohol consumed.

Naltrexone is available in the following forms:

  • Extended-release intramuscular injection (Vivitrol)
  • Oral tablets

Types

A licensed doctor can prescribe and administer the medication in a pill form for Alcohol Use disorder. On the other hand, it is prescribed as an extended-release intramuscular injectable for Opioid Use disorder.

How Does Naltrexone Work?

Naltrexone does not work as an opioid. Since it is not addictive, the medication does not lead to withdrawal symptoms after stopping. Naltrexone functions by blocking the usual euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. This medication binds and blocks opioid receptors. The procedure minimizes and suppresses cravings for opioids.

Conditions and Symptoms Treated

Naltrexone is widely used for Opioid Use Disorder. Patients should wait at least seven days after their last use of short-acting opioids before starting naltrexone. This is important to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Patients taking naltrexone should strictly avoid using other opioids or illicit drugs. Other things to avoid include alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other drugs. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications being taken.

The oral formulation of naltrexone will block opioid receptors; the FDA approves the long-acting injectable formulation as MAT.

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder

Patients should not be physically dependent on alcohol or other substances when starting the treatment. Naltrexone is responsible for reducing alcohol cravings. The medication helps patients maintain sobriety. The initial Naltrexone treatment lasts for three to four months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients should check with their insurance provider whether their health plan provides coverage for compounded medications.

Patients may experience side effects, which are usually short-lived and mild. Most patients have reported that they do not even know there are on the medication. Naltrexone is not known to have any psychological effects on patients. They do not feel "high" or "down" while taking the medication. Naltrexone is not addictive.

The effects of naltrexone start shortly after the first dose. The drug helps help patients remain abstinent from alcohol and avoid relapse. The exact time it starts working is difficult to estimate. Patients have often reported feeling better the next day after their initial dose. The average recovery period ranges between 2 and 4 weeks after the patient starts therapy. This is just an average because each individual is different, and their conditions may vary.

The following groups of patients are known to have a better response to naltrexone: Highly motivated patients committed to completing the treatment and maintaining abstinence. Older patients with a long history of use Older patients with a history of multiple relapses and failures with other treatments. Patients who have maintained longer periods of abstinence between relapses.

Naltrexone is not recommended for pregnant women. Those with severe liver or kidney damage should avoid taking this medicine. Patients who failed to achieve complete abstinence for at least five days before initiating medication should not take naltrexone. Additionally, individuals addicted to opioid drugs should stop at least seven days before starting naltrexone treatment.

Yes. Studies and research indicate that using naltrexone under medical guidance and a system-approved MAT program makes this medication safe for short and long-term use.

No. Naltrexone does not pose any risk of abuse or addiction. Naltrexone interacts with similar receptors in the central nervous system impacted by opioids, but the medication will not cause euphoria or sedation that usually occurs from opioid use.

The drug should be stopped only under the guidance of a medical professional once the patient has progressed in treatment to the point where he/she is ready to stop using it. Your physician will determine safe ways to stop the medication for continued recovery. Ending naltrexone treatment should not cause withdrawal symptoms.

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