Naltrexone is naltrexone side effects prescribed as one part of a treatment program for AUD. The program may include counseling, psychotherapy, education, and support groups. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as naltrexone to treat certain conditions. Naltrexone oral tablet may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
- This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment.
- Learn more about who naltrexone treatment is for, how it works, what its common side effects are, and more below.
- Naltrexone, available under brand names such as Vivitrol and ReVia, is a medication approved for treating both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).
- The person does not experience the desired alcohol pleasurable state.
Low Dose Naltrexone and Alcohol: Risks and Considerations
- In fact, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the effect of opioids.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors.
- When compared to other treatments for alcohol use disorder, naltrexone shows competitive effectiveness.
- If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
- However, naltrexone isn’t typically prescribed on its own for this use.
- It also may block the euphoric and rewarding feeling that may make you want to use alcohol.
Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication. To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check Sober living house out this article. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved naltrexone for weight loss or pain. You may experience nausea after the first injection of this medicine that should be mild and subside a few days afterwards. You will be less likely to have nausea with your next injections. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
The 6 Stages of Mental Health Recovery
- When you combine low dose naltrexone and alcohol, you may feel sick and lose control of your drinking.
- When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective.
- Naltrexone is administered only after opioid or alcohol detoxification, to prevent relapse of dependence on these addictive substances.
- Currently, there are two approved methods that focus on naltrexone as a form of treatment for alcoholism.
- The medication’s impact on dopamine release is key to its effectiveness.
Naltrexone is only helpful when it is used as part of an addiction treatment program. It is important that you attend all counseling sessions, support group meetings, education programs, or other treatments recommended by your doctor. Boca Recovery Center is here to provide the best quality care in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. However, drinking alcohol while taking naltrexone can make you sick. How sick you become depends on how much alcohol you consume and your personal reaction to the mix of substances in your body.
Exacerbation of mental health problems
Many patients report that as they progress in their recovery, they discover new sources of pleasure and satisfaction that are not dependent on alcohol or other substances. When discontinuing naltrexone, a gradual tapering process is often recommended to minimize potential withdrawal effects. This typically involves reducing the dose over several weeks under medical supervision. The optimal duration of naltrexone treatment for alcohol use disorder remains a subject of ongoing research. Current guidelines suggest a minimum treatment period of several https://www.asdesc.com.br/2025/08/19/quitting-alcohol-timeline-a-compassionate-guide-to/ months, with many experts recommending longer-term use for sustained benefits.
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