Naltrexone is a potent and highly specific opiate antagonist (drug with the opposite effect). It affects the opiate reflectors, preventing heroin, methadone, codeine, dentoxyl and other opiates from entering them. Thanks to this, the opiates injected into the body do not cause the specific reaction (euphoria, narrowing of the pupils, etc.). Therefore, a patient who takes naltrexone prescribed by a doctor does not experience drug intoxication when injecting heroin or other opiates.
Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors, thereby blocking these receptors from opioids. This means that when a person takes opioids, they will not be able to produce their usual effects, such as pain relief or euphoria. It helps reduce addiction and reduces the desire to use these substances.
Naltrexone is effective in helping people overcome addiction because it reduces cravings and helps prevent relapse. Its duration of action (especially in the form of injections) provides long-term protection against relapse, which is especially important in the treatment of addictions.
Naltrexone Uses and Doses
Naltrexone is usually taken in 1 tab. (50 mg) 1 time per day. Other dosages are also possible – 2 tab. every other day or 3 tab. once in three days. The use of naltrexone in such doses is harmless – this has been proven in clinical experiments. Naltrexone is not addictive. Naltrexone is usually taken for 1 year. The minimum period of its use is 6 months.
Naltrexone side effects
Like any medication, naltrexone can have side effects. Some of the more common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and muscle pain. Less common but serious side effects may include liver damage, so patients with liver disease or elevated liver enzymes should exercise caution.
Naltrexone is not suitable for all patients. It should not be used if the patient is currently taking opioids, has acute liver failure or hepatitis, or is known to be allergic to naltrexone or any of its ingredients.
Before starting naltrexone, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine if this medication is appropriate for a particular patient’s treatment plan.
Naltrexone contraindications
Naltrexone is an effective drug in the treatment of addiction, but there are several situations in which it should not be used. These contraindications are important to prevent serious health problems and complications.
Naltrexone should not be used if the patient is currently taking opioids. If naltrexone is taken while opioids are still in the body, it can cause an acute withdrawal syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Patients with acute hepatitis or severe liver failure should not take naltrexone, as it may cause additional stress on the liver and impair its function. If the patient has a known allergy to naltrexone or any of its ingredients, this medication should not be used.
Naltrexone should also not be started if the patient has withdrawal symptoms from opioids. The body must first be allowed to completely eliminate opioids to avoid serious side effects. Before starting naltrexone, you should have a urine test to make sure there are no opioids in your body. A positive test means that naltrexone should not be started.
In addition to the main contraindications, there are several situations in which the use of naltrexone should be carefully monitored or other treatments should be considered. Patients with mild to moderate liver problems should have regular monitoring of liver function while taking naltrexone. Also, caution should be exercised in patients with kidney problems, as naltrexone can affect kidney function.
The use of naltrexone during pregnancy and lactation should be carefully considered, as there are insufficient data on its safety during these periods. Patients with depression or other mental health problems should be monitored especially carefully because naltrexone can affect mood and mental status.
Before starting naltrexone therapy, it is very important to consult a doctor and perform all the necessary tests to make sure that the medication is suitable for the particular patient’s treatment plan.
