Naltrexone for Alcoholism: Side Effects, Uses & Interactions

You may also need to carry a letter to let others know you are receiving this medicine in case you have a medical emergency. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start to feel more depressed. Also tell your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself.

How long do naltrexone side effects last?

Talk with your healthcare provider about how to get and administer naloxone. You may have symptoms if you have been using prescription and/or illicit opioids and suddenly stop taking them. People who are in opioid withdrawal should not take naltrexone.

• Naltrexone should not be used to treat people who are still using street drugs or drinking large amounts of alcohol.
• To alleviate nausea from naltrexone, consider taking the medication with food, staying well-hydrated, and possibly adjusting the timing of your doses.
• Naltrexone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious.
• So my big point here is, while naltrexone works for many people, not everyone is going to get a good response, and it’s not just because they didn’t give it a good effort.

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If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. With addiction, Alcohol Use Disorder a drug is taken even if it’s causing harmful outcomes. Naloxone is also combined with buprenorphine in certain drugs prescribed to treat OUD, such as Suboxone and Zubsolv. Naloxone is included in these drugs to help prevent their misuse. In fact, because it’s an opioid antagonist, it can block the effect of opioid pain relievers.

How Does Naltrexone Treat Addiction?

It does not produce a high, cause dependence, or lead to withdrawal symptoms. Instead, it blocks opioid and alcohol effects, reducing cravings. Unlike Methadone or Buprenorphine, it has no abuse potential. However, it should be used under medical supervision for safe and effective treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Disease: Benefits & Risks (

Oral Naltrexone is a widely used medication for treating alcohol and opioid dependence, offering significant benefits in reducing cravings and preventing relapse. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the potential side effects of oral Naltrexone, strategies for prevention and management, and advice on when to seek medical attention. Understanding these side effects can help patients and healthcare providers ensure a smoother and safer treatment journey.

It can be prescribed by any healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe medications, special training is not required. It is important that medical managed withdrawal (detoxification) from opioids be completed at least 7 to 10 days before extended-release injectable naltrexone is initiated or resumed. Research has shown that naltrexone decreases reactivity to drug-conditioned cues and decreases craving. Extended-release naltrexone should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support.

• When naltrexone is taken at home, it is usually taken once a day with or without food.
• While serious injury liver damage is rare, monitoring is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
• Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in the world, for intoxication and euphoria.
• Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and blocks their stimulation by natural (endogenous) or ingested opiates, and alcohol.
• It can be used in conjunction with other treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

Naltrexone is FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adults. This condition is also known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism. With dependence, naltrexone side effects your body needs a drug to feel as it typically would.

If you or a loved one is struggling with compulsive drinking or opioid use, naltrexone may be prescribed as part of your treatment. This page will help you understand how naltrexone works, what it is used for, and how to find treatment that works for you. If you have questions or concerns about the side effects of naltrexone, talk with your doctor. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers. Continuing our exploration, it’s crucial to address LDN’s legal status and availability. Although naltrexone is FDA-approved, its low-dose form for conditions like autoimmune diseases and chronic pain is usually an off-label use.