Naltrexone should not be used with pregnant women, individuals with severe liver or kidney damage or with patients who cannot achieve abstinence for at least 5 days prior to initiating medications. Also, people who are dependent on opioid drugs, like heroin or morphine must stop their drug use at least 7 days prior to starting naltrexone.

Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of drugs known as opioids (a class that includes morphine, heroin or codeine). It competes with these drugs for opioid receptors in the brain. It was originally used to treat dependence on opioid drugs but has recently been approved by the FDA as treatment for alcoholism.

In the largest study, the most common side effect of naltrexone affected only a small minority of people and included the following: nausea (10%), headache (7%), dizziness (4%), fatigue (4%), insomnia (3%), anxiety (2%), and sleepiness (2%). These side effects were usually mild and of short duration. As treatment for alcoholism, naltrexone side effects, predominantly nausea, have been se vere enough to discontinue the medication in 5-10% of the patients starting it.

The major active effect of naltrexone is on opioid drugs, which is one class of drugs used primarily to treat pain but is also found in some prescription cough preparations. Naltrexone will block the effect of normal doses of this type of drug. There are many non-narcotic pain relievers that can be used effectively while you are on naltrexone. Otherwise, naltrexone is likely to have little impact on other medications patients commonly use such as antibiotics, non-opioid analgesics (e.g.

SINCE JULY 1997, the Australian media have uncritically reported therapeutic claims that naltrexone, an orally well-absorbed, long-acting opioid antagonist, can be used to 'cure' heroin dependence. Naltrexone displaces heroin from opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of any opioid agonists while the patient continues to take it. It has no opioid agonist effects and hence is 'non-addictive'.

While the precise mechanism of action for naltrexone's effect is unknown, reports from successfully treated patients suggest three kinds of effects. First, naltrexone can reduce craving, which is the urge or desire to drink. Second, naltrexone helps patients remain abstinent. Third, naltrexone can interfere with the tendency to want to drink more if a recovering patient slips and has a drink.

Naltrexone's effects on blocking opioids occurs shortly after taking the first dose. Findings to date suggest that the effects of naltrexone in helping patients remain abstinent and avoid relapse to alcohol use also occur early.

Aside from side effects, which are usually short-lived and mild, patients usually report that they are largely unaware of being on medications. Naltrexone usually has no psychological effects and patients don't feel either "high" or "down" while they are on naltrexone. It is not addicting. While it does seem to reduce alcohol craving, it does not interfere with the experience of other types of pleasure.

No. Naltrexone may reduce the feeling of intoxication and the desire to drink more, but it will not cause a severe physical response to drinking.

Naltrexone does not cause physical dependence and it can be stopped at any time without withdrawal symptoms. In addition, available findings regarding cessation do not show a "rebound" effect to resume alcohol use when naltrexone is discontinued.

There is no contradiction between participation in AA and taking naltrexone. Naltrexone is not addictive and does not produce any "high" or pleasant effects. It can contribute to achievement of an abstinence goal by reducing the craving or compulsion to drink, particularly during early phases of recovery. It is most likely to be effective when the patient's goal is to stop drinking altogether.

If naltrexone is tolerated and the patient is successful in reducing or stopping drinking, the recommended initial course of treatment is 3 months. At that time the patient and clinical staff should evaluate the need for further treatment on the basis of degree of improvement, degree of continued concerns about relapse and level of improvement in areas of functioning other than alcohol use. *From the Pamphlet "Guidelines for the Use of Naltrexone in the Treatment of Alcoholism" by Bruce J.

Unlike Antabuse® (disulfiram), naltrexone does not produce an adverse effect in combination with alcohol. Naltrexone in and of itself is a passive substance with no stimulating or tranquilizing effects. Most patients do not notice any effect of naltrexone, other than observing that their thoughts and behaviors move them to drink less or abstain.

In general, naltrexone is well tolerated with no severe side effects. In the largest study, the most common side effects of naltrexone affected only a minority of people and included the following generally short-lived symptoms: nausea (10%), headache (7%), dizziness (4%), fatigue (4%), insomnia (3%), anxiety (2%) and sleepiness (2%). Naltrexone medication is a passive substance with no stimulating or tranquilizing effects.

To ensure that naltrexone treatment is safe, blood tests should be obtained prior to initial treatment. Following that, retesting generally occurs at monthly intervals for the first three months, with less frequent testing after that point. More frequent testing may be requested depending on the health of your liver prior to beginning treatment.

Naltrexone maintenance involves the insertion of a naltrexone pellet under your skin while you are asleep. This pellet will release Naltrexone continuously into your bloodstream for 30-60 days. This implant is not commercially available in Canada or the United States. Its use is not approved by the Health Protection Branch of Health and Welfare Canada, or by the FDA in the United States.

Store naltrexone at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Keep naltrexone in a tightly closed container, out of the reach of children. Do not give your pills to anyone else to consume.

Since July 1997, the Australian media have uncritically reported therapeutic claims that naltrexone, an orally well-absorbed, long-acting opioid antagonist, can be used to "cure" heroin dependence. Naltrexone displaces heroin from opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effects of any opioid agonists while the patient continues to take it. It has no opioid agonist effects and hence is "non-addictive".

These are "anhedonic" drugs intended to rob their consumers of the pleasure normally produced by alcohol and other drugs. Antabuse (disulfiram), when mixed with alcohol, produces serious cardiovascular symptoms and intense sickness and nausea. Naltrexone blocks the intoxicating action of alcohol and other drugs, preventing the resplendent high.

No, naltrexone is only one component of a program of treatment for alcoholism including counseling, help with associated psychological and social problems and participation in self-help groups. In both studies where naltrexone was shown to be effective, it was combined with treatment from professional psychotherapists.

It is not physically dangerous to smoke and use naltrexone at the same time. However, it is important to make an effort to quit smoking on the quit date established with your counselor. This will increase your chances of breaking your smoking habit. You will begin taking the study drug while you are still smoking since several days may be needed to achieve a level of naltrexone in your body that is effective and helpful.

Like all drugs, naltrexone may cause side effects. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. These side effects are generally mild and often disappear after a few weeks. If you have difficulty with some of these effects, begin taking your medicine midday (after lunch) or in the evenings, before you go to sleep. The most common side effects that caused people to stop taking naltrexone during clinical studies were nausea and headaches.