Naltrexone

Naltrexone for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

Naltrexone is used to help people overcome alcoholism or drug addiction. The quest to stop consuming alcohol or to beat drug addiction can be a long and difficult road. The use of Naltrexone though can help someone to get through those hard times. This medication should be offered along with behavior modification, support, and counseling. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist. It helps to decrease the cravings that the mind and body have for both alcohol and illegal drugs.

Naltrexone Administration and Dosage

Naltrexone is offered in a tablet and it should be taken only under supervision. It is often used as part of in house treatment plans. It can also be used on an outpatient basis. However, the individual will have to go to the treatment center daily to get their dose. It is taken once per day, and it can be taken with or without food.

Naltrexone Precautions

It is very important not to miss any dose of this medication. As the individual progresses and their cravings decrease, they may be able to go to a regimen of using Naltrexone every other day and then every third day. Most of the time they also have to show that they are also attending all of their other counseling sessions and getting support. This is a long path and one that needs to continue moving forward.

The use of Naltrexone isn’t recommended until someone has stopped using alcohol or illegal drugs. They need to have gone through the detox process which can last from 7 to 10 days. Taking this medication during that period of time can significantly increase the withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone is a good candidate for the use of this medication. Individuals with kidney problems or that have depression may not be able to take it.

Naltrexone Side Effects

There are some possible side effects that can occur while taking Naltrexone. They include nausea or vomiting, cramping in the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation, headache, loss of appetite, and increased levels of anxiety. These side effects should start to diminish in a week or so after the start of this medication.