Naltrexone

What is Naltrexone?  Could it help me?  

Addiction is hard to break.  It is even harder without some form of help.  Naltrexone prevents opiate effects in the brain, thereby reducing the desire to take opiates.  It has also now been approved for use in alcohol addiction by reducing the urge to drink.  

Naltrexone is used in conjunction with a complete treatment program of lifestyle changes, behavioral contracts, counseling, and compliance monitoring.  Patients taking methadone cannot use Naltrexone due to the risk of sudden withdrawal symptoms.  

Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist and is taken by mouth with or without food.  Antacids may be taken if stomach upset occurs.  Typically, the dose is 50 mg but may be ordered in 100 mg to 150 mg doses if the patient is required to take the medication in the presence of a healthcare professional and visits need to be scheduled 2 to 3 days apart.  

A urine drug screen or a naloxone challenge test is typically done to rule out recent opiate use.  Opiate use must be stopped for at least 7 days before starting Naltrexone, although methadone should be avoided for 10 to 14 days before Naltrexone treatment.  

Naltrexone must be taken as prescribed by the doctor.  Do not take it more often, increase the dosage, or stop taking it without the doctor’s approval.  

If you need help breaking an addiction, please contact us MaxHealth Family, Internal, & Sports Medicine for help.