Naltrexone
About Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a prescription medication used to help people with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder remain drug- or alcohol-free. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and prevent the pleasurable effects of these substances. This medicine is typically prescribed as part of a complete treatment program that includes counseling and support.
To get the most benefit, you must take Naltrexone consistently every day exactly as directed by your doctor. You can take this tablet with or without food, though taking it with a meal or a glass of water can help prevent an upset stomach. Combining this medication with counseling, support groups, and healthy stress-management habits greatly improves your chances of long-term recovery.
While taking Naltrexone, you may experience mild side effects like nausea, headache, sleepiness, or mild anxiety. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms such as yellowing of your eyes or skin, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or changes in your mood, including depression or thoughts of self-harm.
Talk to your doctor before starting Naltrexone if you have liver disease, kidney problems, or any mental health conditions. Do not take this medicine if you are currently using or dependent on opioid drugs, are experiencing active opioid withdrawal, or are in liver failure.
Taking Naltrexone while using opioid pain relievers or cough medicines will block their effects and can trigger sudden, severe withdrawal symptoms. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before starting this treatment.
Uses of Naltrexone
Medicinal Benefits
Naltrexone supports the treatment of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence by reducing the rewarding effects associated with these substances. It is generally used as part of a broader recovery plan that may include counselling and behavioural support.
- Reduces Alcohol Cravings: May help decrease the urge to drink alcohol, making it easier to maintain treatment goals and focus on recovery.
- Blocks Opioid Effects: Prevents opioids from activating certain receptors in the brain, reducing effects such as euphoria if opioids are used during treatment.
- Helps Reduce Relapse Risk: By reducing alcohol cravings or blocking the rewarding effects of opioids, Naltrexone may help lower the likelihood of returning to problematic substance use.
- Supports Long-Term Recovery: Can be used as part of an ongoing treatment plan alongside counselling, behavioural therapy, and other forms of professional support.
- Does Not Produce a High: Naltrexone does not cause opioid-like euphoria and is not considered physically dependence-forming.
Directions for Use
- Naltrexone can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food helps reduce stomach upset.
- Follow the recommended dosage and duration for your specific medical condition to achieve optimal results.
- Swallow Naltrexone as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Naltrexone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Mild anxiety or nervousness
- Joint or muscle pain
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- New or worsening depression, severe anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain or uncontrollable vomiting
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Carry emergency identification: Always carry a medical alert card or wear a bracelet stating that you are taking Naltrexone, so emergency medical personnel know you cannot be treated with standard opioid pain relievers.
- Complete opioid detox first: You must be completely free of all opioids (including prescription pain medicines and illicit drugs) for at least 7 to 10 days before starting Naltrexone to avoid triggering severe, sudden withdrawal symptoms.
- Beware of sensitivity changes: After taking Naltrexone, your body will become highly sensitive to lower doses of opioids. Attempting to overcome the block by taking large amounts of opioids is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal overdose.
- Monitor your mood: Keep track of any changes in your mental health, and ask a trusted family member or friend to watch for signs of depression or unusual behavior.
- Liver health checks: Keep all appointments for scheduled blood tests, as your doctor will want to check your liver function periodically while you take this medicine.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Naltrexone and require caution, avoidance, closer monitoring, or treatment adjustments:
- Opioid pain medications (such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone): Naltrexone will block the pain-relieving effects of these medicines.
- Opioid-containing cough syrups or diarrhoea medicines: Taking these while on Naltrexone will render them ineffective and may cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies of naltrexone in pregnant women. Naltrexone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Naltrexone in nursing mothers. Inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.
Driving
cautionNaltrexone may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionNaltrexone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. So, inform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionCaution is recommended in administering Naltrexone to patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. So, inform your doctor if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Naltrexone.
Children
cautionNaltrexone should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 since clinical data in this age group are unavailable.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow Your Alcohol Recovery Plan: If Naltrexone is being used for alcohol dependence, follow the alcohol-related guidance provided by your treatment team. Drinking alcohol does not usually cause a disulfiram-like reaction with Naltrexone, but continued drinking can undermine recovery goals.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink adequate water throughout the day, particularly if you experience mild symptoms such as headache or dry mouth.
- Support Overall Recovery: Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals and engage in regular physical activity as appropriate for your health to support energy, sleep, and general well-being.
- Participate in Behavioural Support: Attend counselling, behavioural therapy, or a structured support programme as recommended, as Naltrexone is commonly used as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.
Special Advise
- It is recommended to monitor liver function tests regularly.
- Patients should be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days before initiating the treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Alcohol dependence: Alcohol dependence is a chronic medical condition that typically includes a current or past history of excessive drinking, a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite repeated problems with drinking, and an inability to control alcohol consumption. Symptoms include blackout, dizziness, shakiness, craving, sweating, aggression, anxiety, nausea or vomiting, loneliness, delirium or fear, problems with coordination, slurred speech, or tremor.
Opioid dependence: Opioid dependence is a condition where someone becomes physically dependent on a substance; their body relies on it to avoid withdrawal. In this case, instead of making enough of its own opioids, the body has begun to rely on outside opioids to maintain normal function. Symptoms include craving or sweating, euphoria or general discontent, physical substance dependence, chronic constipation, small pupils, nausea, reduced sex drive, sensitivity to pain, shallow breathing, or slurred speech.
FAQs
Naltrexone is used to treat alcohol dependence (chronic alcoholism) and opioid dependence.
Naltrexone works by blocking the effect of opioid receptors and decreasing cravings and urges to use alcohol or opioids, but it is used along with counselling and social support to help patients who are dependent on alcohol abstain from drinking alcoholic drinks.
No, Naltrexone should not be used with an opioid analgesic, as it may cause serious adverse effects of the drug. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Before taking Naltrexone, inform your doctor about your medical conditions (particularly hepatitis or liver failure), allergic reactions, and medications you are already taking (especially opioid analgesics). Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Using Naltrexone in any individual who has failed the naloxone challenge test or has a positive urine screen for opioids is contradicted.
Naltrexone may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or sedation, anorexia (eating disorder), decreased appetite, insomnia, and toothache. If the side effects persist or worsen, speak with a doctor.
Naltrexone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. So, inform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Regular monitoring of liver function is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Naltrexone can be taken with pain relievers other than opioid medications if prescribed by the doctor. Please consult the doctor before taking painkillers/any other medications with Naltrexone.
You are advised to take Naltrexone only for the duration prescribed by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the duration of treatment.
Naltrexone may not make you high. It might cause sedation, drowsiness, and dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery or doing things that require alertness.
Yes, Naltrexone decreases cravings and urge to use opioids by blocking the action of opioid receptors.
You should not drink alcohol while taking Naltrexone. While it does not cause a severe physical reaction if you drink (unlike some other medications), drinking defeats the purpose of the treatment and can increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling to avoid alcohol.
If you have opioids in your system when you take Naltrexone, it will trigger a sudden and severe withdrawal reaction, which includes intense nausea, vomiting, sweating, and pain. You must be completely opioid-free for at least 7 to 10 days before starting this medicine. Talk to your doctor to ensure it is safe to start.
No, Naltrexone is not addictive, does not cause physical dependence, and does not produce a 'high' or any mind-altering effects. You can stop taking it without experiencing drug-craving withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how long you should continue treatment.
If you need surgery or any medical procedure that requires opioid pain relievers, you must inform your healthcare team in advance. You will need to stop taking Naltrexone temporarily under medical supervision so that pain medications can work. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about managing your pain safely.
While weight loss is not a primary purpose of Naltrexone, some patients experience a mild decrease in appetite or mild nausea when starting the medication, which might lead to minor weight changes. If you experience significant or rapid weight loss, talk to your doctor.
Many over-the-counter and prescription cough medicines contain opioids (such as codeine). Naltrexone will block these ingredients, making them ineffective, and can trigger withdrawal symptoms. Always check the labels carefully and talk to your pharmacist to find opioid-free cough remedies.
If you take a normal dose of an opioid, Naltrexone will block its effects, meaning you will not feel high or experience pain relief. However, taking large amounts of opioids to overcome this block is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening respiratory failure or death. If you have taken opioids, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Author Details
