Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that can be used to combat opioid addiction and alcoholism. It works by blocking the parts of the brain that cause someone to feel euphoric when exposed to narcotics or alcohol. The drug is not addictive and does not cause psychological effects. Side effects are mild and fleeting, but it may be toxic to the liver. Pregnant women and those with liver or kidney damage may not be good candidates for the drug.
Naltrexone hydrochloride, known by the brand names ReVia® and Vivitrol®, is a type of drug that acts as an opioid antagonist. This means that it is capable of altering or blocking the effects opioids have on the body. Some of the opioid blockers of naltrexone are heroin, morphine and codeine. Essentially, this drug works by blocking the parts of the brain that cause someone to feel euphoric or good when exposed to narcotics. It can be used to combat opioid addiction.
Naltrexone can also be used in the treatment of alcoholism. So far, no one knows for sure what makes the drug so effective in treating alcoholism. However, patients report a reduction in the desire to drink. Also, the drug can prevent an alcoholic from drinking more and more if he deviates from his recovery and has an alcoholic drink.
In general, naltrexone can block the effects of opioids very quickly after taking just one dose. The effects of alcoholism can also show up quite early. Some experts say the drug is most effective when combined with other treatment mechanisms, such as therapy. It is not addictive and does not cause psychological effects; most people don’t feel like they’re on drugs when they do. Also, the drug should not interfere with the types of pleasure that do not come from opioid use or alcoholic beverages.
Naltrexone causes side effects in only a small number of people who receive it. When side effects do occur, they tend to be fleeting and mild. Some people taking naltrexone may experience things like nausea, anxiety, fatigue, and headaches; others on the drug may experience dizziness and insomnia. Although most people can take naltrexone without serious side effects, there is a possibility that the drug is toxic to the liver. For this reason, patients may need to have blood tests to evaluate liver function before starting treatment and during treatment.
There are some people who shouldn’t take naltrexone, such as pregnant women. Some people with liver or kidney damage may not be good candidates for the use of this drug. However, this depends on the level of damage and the overall health of the patient. It also cannot be used in patients who cannot abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least five days before starting treatment. Similarly, those who are addicted to opioids must be able to abstain for at least seven full days before starting the drug.
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