What Is Naltrexone?

What Is Naltrexone?

When it comes to treating OUD, some people mix up Naltrexone with Naloxone. It is important to note these are not the same FDA-approved medications, and they are different. What Naltrexone is, is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. The drug also blocks GABA receptors, which alcohol binds to when drinking. 

Naltrexone is the generic name for this medication. Common brand names include ReVia, Vivitrol, and Depade. Naltrexone can be taken daily or as a monthly injection. 

How Does Naltrexone Work?

Naltrexone prevents people with alcohol and opioid addiction from experiencing pleasurable effects, euphoria, calmness, and relaxation associated with these substances. It discourages alcohol and opioid use because people on this medication will not get high or feel drunk. However, while the person does not experience these effects, they can still experience other effects of the substances, such as drowsiness and slowed cognitive functioning. 

Naltrexone for Alcohol 

When someone is taking Naltrexone for AUD, it binds to the GABA receptors in the brain. When someone drinks, alcohol will not bind to these receptors. As a result, there will not be an increase in dopamine and serotonin, which causes the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Since there is no reward associated with drinking, Naltrexone acts as a deterrent and reduces the risk of relapse.  

Naltrexone for Opioids

Talking Naltrexone for OUD will cause the medication to bind to the opioid receptors in the brain. So, if someone were to relapse and use opioids, they will not experience any euphoria or other pleasurable effects they used to feel. So again, there is no reward associated with using opioids. As a result, Naltrexone makes it easier to maintain their recovery and not relapse. 

Side Effects of Naltrexone

Naltrexone can have different side effects, just like other medications. Some of the more common side effects include:

• Cold and flu-like symptoms
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Toothache
• Muscle cramps
• Joint pain
• Insomnia

These side effects are usually short-lived and dissipate once the body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist, it is important to notify the prescribing healthcare professional immediately.

Naltrexone can also have some severe side effects that should be treated as soon as possible, including:

• Pneumonia
• Depression
• Thoughts of self-harm and suicide
• Allergic reactions
• Intense pain
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Open wounds
• Hepatitis and liver damage

Is Naltrexone Effective?

Naltrexone can be rather effective at helping people avoid relapse and maintain their substance-free lives. Various research studies have been conducted on its effectiveness. The studies found that people prescribed Naltrexone were able to reduce their alcohol intake and stop completely, compared to people not using this medication for AUD. Other studies found Naltrexone improves detox completion rates by as much as 75 to 81%, according to StatPearls. 

What to Avoid When Taking Naltrexone

When taking Naltrexone, it is important to inform the prescribing healthcare professional about any and all medications taken. There are various prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as supplements and vitamins, that can cause adverse drug reactions when combined. 

For example, many over-the-counter cough, cold, and diarrhea medications should be avoided. It is equally important to avoid drinking alcohol or using any opioids or opioid prescription medications, such as codeine or hydrocodone.  

Treatment Programs We Offer Naltrexone In

At Serenity Grove, our Georgia addiction treatment center offers Naltrexone with all of our treatment programs and levels of care. 

• Detox: We can prescribe Naltrexone once all traces of alcohol and opioids are out of the body. Prior to starting Naltrexone, we can use other FDA-approved medicines to help alleviate the more severe and intense withdrawal symptoms. 
• Residential: Our residential rehab program can include using Naltrexone when recovering from AUD and OUD. This level of care provides round-the-clock supervision and support while residing at our facility. 
• PHP: Our PHP (partial hospitalization program) provides the same level of care, with highly structured and intensive treatment, as our residential program. The only exception is participants return home or to a sober living facility in the evenings. Naltrexone can be available when it can benefit the individual as part of their recovery treatment.  
• IOP: Our IOP (intensive outpatient program) provides the most flexibility with half-day treatment sessions. This allows people to maintain their work and personal commitments while still obtaining intensive addiction treatment. Naltrexone is available for people recovering from AUD and OUD. 
• Outpatient: Our outpatient program provides continued support and treatment options, including Naltrexone. The frequency of sessions depends on the individual’s specific treatment needs and recovery goals. 
• Aftercare: Our aftercare program provides additional support and relapse prevention to help people maintain their sobriety. Naltrexone can be a part of one’s aftercare program and relapse prevention plan.