Naltrexone Treatment for Opioid Addiction and Alcoholism

Naltrexone Treatment for Opioid Addiction and Alcoholism Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Print Naltrexone for Alcoholism and Opioid Addiction By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 10, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Overcoming Addiction Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use In This Article Table of Contents Expand Uses Effectiveness Indications Dosage Side Effects View All Back To Top Naltrexone is a drug used primarily in the continued management of alcohol dependence and opioid addiction. How it helps in each case differs. For alcoholism, the treatment can help quell ones desire to drink. In contrast, the drug works to actually thwart the actual effects of opiates on the brain. Naltrexone is sold under the brand names Revia and Depade. An extended-release form is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol. Uses Naltrexone does not treat alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms, but can help people whove already stopped using remain drug- or alcohol-free. For people whove stopped drinking, naltrexone reduces the craving for alcohol that  many alcohol-dependent people experience when they quit drinking. Its not fully understood how the drug reduces the craving for alcohol, but some scientists believe it works by decreasing the reinforcing effects of alcohol in certain neural pathways in the brain.?? This mechanism  involves the  neurotransmitter dopamine. Naltrexone also works to block the effects of opiate drugs like heroin and cocaine in the brain. As part of a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists, naltrexone competes with these drugs for opiate receptors in the brain to prevent the feelings of pleasure the substances produce.?? Effectiveness Research has shown that naltrexone can reduce cravings for alcohol and drugs for some people, but it doesnt work for everyone. Like most pharmaceutical treatments for alcohol and drug abuse, it works best if used in connection with an overall treatment regime, such as psychosocial therapy, counseling, and/or support group participation. Naltrexone does not cure addiction, but it has helped many who suffer from alcohol or drug addiction to maintain abstinence by reducing their craving for alcohol or drugs. Indications Naltrexone is prescribed only after youve stopped drinking alcohol or taking opioids for seven to 10 days because it can cause serious withdrawal symptoms if taken while youre still using drugs.?? People who have acute hepatitis, liver disease, or kidney disease should not take naltrexone.?? Patients who are using narcotic painkillers should not take it nor should anyone who is allergic to any other drugs. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take naltrexone. Dosage In pill form, naltrexone is usually prescribed to be taken once a day. Studies have looked at the use of naltrexone over a 12-week period to help people who have stopped drinking to reduce the craving for alcohol during the early days of abstinence when the risk of a relapse is the greatest, but doctors may prescribe it to be used for longer. Because naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, its also sometimes prescribed for extended periods for people trying to manage drug dependence. In April 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a once-a-month injectable form of naltrexone (Vivitrol) for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Several studies demonstrated the monthly injection form of naltrexone was more effective in maintaining abstinence over the pill form because it eliminates the problem of medication compliance. Rapid Detoxification An implant form of naltrexone is used in a controversial process called rapid detoxification for opioid dependence. In rapid detox, youre placed under general anesthesia and a naltrexone implant is surgically placed in your lower abdomen or posterior. This procedure is usually followed by daily doses of naltrexone for up to 12 months. The FDA has not approved the implant form of naltrexone. Although the rapid detox procedure is promoted as a one-time cure for drug addiction, research has shown that its really more effective as an initial step in a long-term rehabilitation process.?? Side Effects Naltrexone can cause upset stomach, nervousness, anxiety, or muscle and joint pain. Usually, these symptoms are mild and temporary, but for some people, they can be more severe and longer-lasting. In rare cases, naltrexone causes more severe side effects including:?? ConfusionDrowsinessHallucinationsVomitingStomach painSkin rashDiarrheaBlurred vision Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Large doses of naltrexone can cause liver failure. You should stop taking naltrexone immediately if you experience symptoms such as: Excessive tirednessUnusual bleeding or bruisingLoss of appetitePain in the upper right part of the stomachDark urineYellowing of the skin or eyes. Read the full list of symptoms provided with your prescription information.