Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder: How it Works

It is not a controlled substance and does not require special training for prescription. Although naltrexone is a medication used for AUD and OUD, it is not a cure for addiction. Instead, it is a helpful component of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan that also includes psychotherapy and social support. As Naltrexone may make you more sensitive to smaller doses of opioids than previously used, you should not take heroin or any narcotic drugs. Patients should speak with their doctor for medical advice about the increased sensitivity to opioids and the risk of overdose. After taking a dose of Naltrexone, the blocking effect slowly decreases and goes away over time.

How long do naltrexone side effects last?

People who are taking naltrexone for AUD or OUD as directed tend to experience a reduction in cravings, helping them abstain from drug or alcohol abuse. While it can make you feel more in control of these decisions, there are some other feelings to consider that can occur as side effects from taking naltrexone. This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact Sober living home with Vivitrol. Tell all of your healthcare providers that you are using Vivitrol, so that they can provide you with appropriate care. In case of an emergency, people using Vivitrol should carry an identification card stating that they are on Vivitrol. Vivitrol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

While rare, allergic reactions to Vivitrol can occur and range from mild to severe. Prompt recognition and management of these reactions are crucial for patient safety. Patients should keep their healthcare provider informed about any changes in mood, energy levels, or behavior, as LDN can sometimes cause agitation, irritability, or abnormal behaviors. This is particularly important for individuals with a history of substance abuse or those taking other medications that may interact with LDN. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, especially during the initial stages of LDN treatment.

Possible ways to reduce Naltrexone side effects

• The renal clearance for naltrexone ranges from 30 to 127 mL/min and suggests that renal elimination isprimarily by glomerular filtration.
• They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
• With drugs that are addictive, you may have trouble stopping use of the drug.
• It is possible that naltrexone may need to be discontinued, which should only be done with the guidance of your healthcare provider.

It can also support healing by boosting the production of endorphins, which may aid in skin regeneration and barrier repair. For autoimmune-driven conditions like psoriasis, LDN may help calm the immune response that triggers excessive skin cell growth. Just two capsules a day can make a significant difference in how you feel. If you’re using LDN to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or other thyroid issues, it’s important to support your thyroid nutritionally.

• The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Many side effects of Naltrexone can be managed with simple lifestyle adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.

In contrast, the half-life of the depot injection, a formulation which releases slowly over time, is 5-10 days. Naltrexone hasn’t been reported to interact with supplements or foods. For this reason, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about interactions that may affect you.

• Finally, there’s emerging evidence about the role of LDN in mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
• You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
• Theoretically, this compensatory response should be greater after a higher dose compared to a lower dose, ultimately provoking more side effects.
• Even if some heaviness is experienced as a side effect, it is usually not regarded as problematic enough to warrant cessation of naltrexone.

Implementing these strategies may significantly improve your experience. However, Suboxone’s opioid nature means it can cause sedation and has a potential for misuse. Therefore, naltrexone may be considered naltrexone side effects safer for long-term use, especially for those concerned about the risk of developing a new dependency. The subsections below will delve into the specific risks for people with liver disease and those using opioids before detoxification.