Naltrexone Medication Uses, Price, Dosage, Precautions

Working

Naltrexone falls under the category of drugs called opiate antagonists. It has some action on the central nervous system or the brain to prevent the effects of opioids, such as feelings of well-being, euphoria, or pain relief. The medicine has also been found to decrease the desire to take opioids. Since it has some action on the brain, Naltrexone helps people to drink less alcohol or even stop them from drinking alcohol altogether. The drug also decreases the cravings for alcohol when used along with counseling and lifestyle changes.

Dose

• For opioid addiction, Naltrexone 25 mg is advised initially, and then after 1 hour of observation, patients can start 50 mg once daily from day 2.
• For alcohol dependence, Naltrexone 50 mg is recommended once daily for up to 12 weeks.
• Please note that a flexible dosage schedule can be advised to accommodate patient convenience and ensure treatment compliance.
• Take a whole pill with a glass full of water, without crashing or chewing it. You can take this medicine with or without food.
• Use Naltrexone regularly so you can reap its benefits. Irregular use of this drug may not offer effective results.
• Inform your doctor if you start using opiate or alcohol again even after using Naltrexone as prescribed.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Anxiety

These are a few common side effects of Naltrexone, which may subside after using the drug for some time. Immediately seek medical attention if you experience extreme dizziness, abdominal cramps, joint pains, mood or mental changes, confusion, or hallucinations.

Precautions

• Naltrexone is used with extra caution in patients with liver failure, kidney failure, bleeding disorders like hemophilia, or in patients taking anticoagulant drugs.
• Before using this opioid addiction drug, make sure you inform your physician about the medications conditions you have or therapies you are undergoing.
• You should be opioid-free for at least 7 to 10 days before initiating therapy with Naltrexone. It is important to be opioid-free if you want to use this drug to get rid of opioid addiction.
• You must carry a proof of a medical ID stating you have been using Naltrexone for your addiction problem so your doctors can give you appropriate treatment.
• During pregnancy, Naltrexone should be used only if it is indicated to you. Please discuss the risks and benefits of the drug during pregnancy with your doctor.
• Naltrexone may pass into breast milk and may cause harm to your newborn. So, please consult your doctor about using this opioid/alcohol addiction drug during breastfeeding.

Warnings

• Patients who are on opioid painkillers or have a positive urine test for opioids are not advised to use Naltrexone. Patients allergic to Naltrexone should also avoid using this drug.
• The drug can cause mild dizziness or drowsiness so avoid any type of risky activity such as driving or using machinery, more importantly, stay away from alcohol, opioids, and marijuana.
• After you stop taking Naltrexone, you may be more sensitive to opioid drugs, which may increase your risk of life-threatening side effects such as shortness of breath or even loss of consciousness.
• Before undergoing any surgical procedure, let your surgeon or dentist know that you have been using Naltrexone for your opioid or alcohol dependence.
• You might have to get some of your labs done during treatment, especially liver function tests, to check for any hepatic side effects and monitor your treatment progress.