A doctor gives a patient Naltrexone treatment for drug and alcohol addiction

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is an effective tool in the management of alcohol addiction and opioid addiction. It strengthens the treatment process by helping people safely and gradually stop using alcohol or opioids.

Naltrexone is sold under the brand names ReVia and Vivitrol and can help with addiction treatment by tremendously decreasing chances of a relapse and improving focus on additional elements of recovery. Among the many benefits of using Naltrexone, the main benefit is that it doesn’t have the potential for misuse, addiction, or dependence.

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How Does Naltrexone Work?

Quick facts about Naltrexone or Vivitrol for addiction treatment

Naltrexone works in three ways:

It helps block the euphoric effects of opiates by binding and blocking opioid receptors
It decreases cravings for alcohol or opiates
It interferes with the desire to continue drinking in case of a relapse

It is available in a pill form (ReVia) for alcohol dependence or as an extended-release intramuscular injectable (Vivitrol) for both conditions. The pill form of naltrexone is taken daily, and the extended-release injectable is administered once a month by a licensed practitioner. Naltrexone is not recommended for anyone younger than 18 years of age or individuals experiencing certain medical health conditions.

The medication starts to take effect within 30 minutes after its use. And the dosage can vary from one person to another. Missing doses of naltrexone can decrease its effectiveness and increase your chance of a relapse.

Naltrexone isn’t a cure for addiction, nor does it cure dependency, but research shows that this combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder and help sustain recovery.

To avoid detox withdrawals, people who take naltrexone must refrain from taking drugs or alcohol for at least 7-10 days before beginning treatment. This includes those who previously used methadone and are in the process of transitioning to naltrexone.

Side Effects of Naltrexone

All medications come with their own set of side effects, some more serious than others. If you experience any during naltrexone treatment, do not stop using it before consulting your doctor first.

If you experience too many side effects of naltrexone, your doctor can decrease the dosage or substitute naltrexone with another medication. However, most side effects of naltrexone will decrease over time. The most common side effects of naltrexone include:

Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Cold Symptoms

Trouble sleeping
Painful joints
Muscle pain
Muscle cramps
Toothache
Decreased appetite

Naltrexone can cause serious side effects in rare circumstances, including liver damage and injection site reactions. In some cases, naltrexone can trigger allergic reactions (allergic pneumonia). If you encounter any of these side effects, contact your physician immediately.

Starting Naltrexone Treatment

If you would like to be put on Naltrexone to combat alcohol or opioid addiction, reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Share your struggles openly and honestly. Together, discuss treatment options, including Vivitrol or ReVia. If your doctor determines it’s the right treatment for you, they’ll guide you through the process of obtaining the medication, offering support every step of the way.

Talk to your doctor before starting naltrexone treatment about the following situations to lower your chances of side effects:

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
About all medications you are currently taking, prescriptions and non-prescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
If you are using any other recreational drugs
Medical health conditions such as liver damage, hemophilia or other bleeding problems, kidney problems, or liver disease.
Allergic to naltrexone, including any of the ingredients or the liquid used to mix the extended-release naltrexone.

Considering your medical conditions, your doctor can determine the safest dose of naltrexone.

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Medications to Avoid While Taking Naltrexone

Naltrexone can interact with other medications and cause dangerous side effects. Since the drug is used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction, other substances must be avoided at all costs to prevent any sudden withdrawal symptoms. Before using naltrexone, inform your physician of any other medications you’re currently on, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies to avoid complications. The following medications can negatively interact with naltrexone:

Narcotic drugs, such as codeine and hydrocodone
Diarrhea medications
Disulfiram
Cough medication

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions you may have about Naltrexone treatment.

What medications should I avoid while taking Naltrexone?

Naltrexone can interact with other medications and cause dangerous side effects. Since the drug is used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorder, other substances must be avoided at all costs to prevent any sudden withdrawal symptoms. Before using naltrexone, inform your physician of any other medications you’re currently on, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies to avoid complications. The following medications can adversely interact with naltrexone:

Narcotic drugs, such as codeine and hydrocodone

Diarrhea medications

Disulfiram

Cough medication

Is Naltrexone the same as Narcan?

Naltrexone is not the same medication as Narcan, also named Naloxone. Although these two medications might look and sound similar, they are however fundamentally different.

The action of naltrexone does not undo the effects of opioids; it prevents the euphoric sensation they cause. On the other hand, Narcan alters the adverse effects of potent opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Narcan is a medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose quickly. It is an opioid antagonist that binds itself to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids.

When someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, they must seek immediate medical attention. Many emergency healthcare providers have Narcan on hand to counteract a possibly fatal overdose.

Can you overdose on Naltrexone?

It is theoretically possible to overdose on naltrexone, if someone were to take a massive dosage of opioids or consume a lot of alcohol in an attempt to counteract the effects of naltrexone, this can lead to an overdose.

A missed naltrexone dose should be taken as soon as possible. But if it’s close to the next dose, it is best to avoid the missed dose. However, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dosage to catch up on the missed dose as it may lead to an overdose.

Naltrexone Treatment at Eleanor Health

Eleanor Health offers online medication-assisted treatment for opioids, alcohol, meth, and more. We create individualized treatment plans that include medications that fit your recovery goals as well as addiction counseling to support lasting sobriety. Fill out our online form or call us today to learn more about our addiction treatment services.

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