Naltrexone (By mouth)
nal-TREX-one
Helps prevent alcohol or drug abuse relapse.
Drug classes
Antidote, Ethanol Dependency, Opioid Dependency (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Naltrexone is used to help narcotic dependents who have stopped taking narcotics to stay drug-free. It is also used to help alcoholics stay alcohol-free. The medicine is not a cure for addiction. It is used as part of an overall program that may include counseling, attending support group meetings, and other treatment recommended by your doctor.
Naltrexone is not a narcotic. It works by blocking the effects of narcotics, especially the “high” feeling that makes you want to use them. It also may block the “high” feeling that may make you want to use alcohol. It will not produce any narcotic-like effects or cause mental or physical dependence. It will not prevent you from becoming impaired while drinking alcohol.
Naltrexone will cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on narcotics. Naltrexone treatment is started after you are no longer dependent on narcotics. The length of time this takes may depend on which narcotic you took, the amount you took, and how long you took it. Before you start taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor if you think you are still having withdrawal symptoms.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not take this medicine if you are using or have used heroin or other narcotic drugs (such as buprenorphine, codeine, methadone, or other habit-forming painkillers) within the past 7 to 10 days.
Some foods and medicines can affect how naltrexone works. Tell your doctor if you are using disulfiram, thioridazine, or medicine for pain, diarrhea, cough, or colds.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to naltrexone, or if you are currently using narcotic medicine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), or a history of depression or mental illness.
You have a higher risk of accidental overdose, serious injury, or death if you use heroin or any other narcotic medicine while you are being treated with naltrexone. Also, naltrexone prevents you from feeling the effects of heroin if you use it.
This medicine may increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed or have thoughts about hurting yourself.
This medicine may cause liver problems.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Tell your doctor and all other caregivers that you are taking naltrexone. You may need to carry a card to let others know you are taking this medicine if you have a medical emergency. Ask your doctor about this.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, confusion, depression, or unusual thoughts and behaviors
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes
Trouble sleeping, getting upset easily, a big increase in energy, or reckless behavior
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain
Dizziness or drowsiness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Revia
There may be other brand names for this medicine.