Naltrexone
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Substance Use Disorder Treatments
Summary
Naltrexone is a medication that works as an opioid antagonist. It is long-acting, with effects lasting 24 to 72 hours after a single dose. Clinically, naltrexone is used to reduce opioid cravings, which can help prevent relapse in those with opioid use disorder. It may also help with alcohol and smoking cessation. A notable side effect of naltrexone is weight loss. It is typically given orally as a tablet or capsule.
Key Points
- Naltrexone
- Mechanism
- Opioid Antagonist
- Blocks opioid receptors
- Long acting
- Depending on the dose, the duration is between 24-72 hours
- Opioid Antagonist
- Clinical Use
- Prevents opioid cravings (Prevents relapse)
- When taking naltrexone, opioids won’t provide the pleasurable “high” feeling that makes people want to take them
- May help alcohol cessation
- Reduces alcohol cravings
- May help smoking cessation
- Limited evidence, but may reduce cravings and reward from smoking
- Prevents opioid cravings (Prevents relapse)
- Side Effects
- Causes weight loss
- Naltrexone should not be given within 7 days after last opioid/alcohol use
- Can precipitate severe withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals
- Administration
- Given orally
- The most common form of administration is oral tablets
- Given orally
- Mechanism