What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone or also known as Vivitrol or Revia is a drug medication that works by reversing the effects of certain drugs, usually an opioid, or alcohol in order to curb cravings in alcohol and drug abusers. What is Naltrexone? It is used to treat drug addictions and help people overcome their abuse and become sober, free from drugs or alcohol. The medicine works better if it is used in conjunction with other behavioral therapies and treatments.
If you are currently taking any drug such as an opioid or methadone, then Naltrexone should be avoided so that withdrawal or detox does not occur. Contact a caring staff member at Inland Detox for more info on our treatment and recovery programs for addiction.
History of Naltrexone
In 2006 the Food and Drug Administration approved Naltrexone for treating alcohol dependence in patients with a drinking problem. It was sold under a different common brand name called Vivitrol and was later also approved to treat those with opioid use disorder.
Is Naltrexone for pain? Clinical trials on Naltrexone were done from 2002 to 2003 and those who took it reported a decrease in drinking and opioid drug use. Researchers reported that the drug was well tolerated and effective during the six months of treatment.
Naltrexone Side Effects
Like any drug, Naltrexone can cause some health side effects to occur. People who take it have reported some side effects Naltrexone such as vomiting and anxiety. These effects may seem merely uncomfortable, but others such as liver damage or overdose can be life-threatening. It is good to be under the supervision of a physician or medical professional to ensure that you are safe and comfortable while taking Naltrexone.
Short-term Effects
The most common short-term side effects of Naltrexone include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased anxiety
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Joint and muscle pain
Less frequent side effects are:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Irritability
- Increased energy
- Dizzy spells
- Skin rashes
- Depression
- Chills
- Thirst
- Delayed ejaculation
- Decreased appetite
If you are taking Naltrexone and are experiencing any of the side effects listed above, it is important to reach out to a medical professional right away. It may be best to discontinue using Naltrexone and determine a better treatment option.
Long-term Effects
The most common long-term health side effects of Naltrexone include:
- Liver damage. The risk of liver damage may increase with higher doses of Naltrexone and for people with a history of hepatitis or liver disease
- Infections or skin reactions. Users who take Vivitrol (the injectable form of the drug) may have reactions at the injection site that require medical evaluation
- Allergic pneumonia
Naltrexone Health Effects
Although Naltrexone can be effective in treating a drug or alcohol addiction, there can be adverse effects on your health. Naltrexone can lower a person’s tolerance to the drug they are using, making it more possible for an overdose to occur.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction to a drug or alcohol are serious problems that affect a lot of people in the United States every day. Drugs and alcohol, if used at a high frequency, can be extremely harmful to not only your physical health but your mental health as well. People who suffer from addiction can get help by reaching out to a drug and alcohol treatment center and rehab like Inland Detox. Our program can treat people for any type of drinking or problem with drugs, by helping them move into full recovery.
The first step before being admitted to a drug and alcohol treatment center is to speak with a medical professional or physician about your addiction and understand the severity of your drug or alcohol use to determine the proper treatment protocols.
Naltrexone for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Naltrexone is most commonly used as a treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, as a means to help reduce the side effects of drinking or drugs, making it easier to stop using. Naltrexone can be taken orally or by injection to help opioid users and alcoholics stay clean and sober.
Naltrexone is a unique drug that works as an opioid antagonist and binds to opioid receptors so that the body can block the pleasurable side effects that it causes. This gives an increased, better chance for people with addiction to drinking or drugs to stop using. A Naltrexone implant and transdermal patch are also under clinical investigation in the US.
If you are interested in learning more about the medical benefits of taking Naltrexone for addiction, please contact someone on our team for more information. Learn the difference between Naltrexone vs Naloxone.
Treatment at Inland Detox
Inland Detox is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment and recovery center located in Temecula, California. Our treatment center addresses all types of addiction, including any type of drug or alcohol, focusing on the best treatment options on the road to recovery. We understand the struggle and pain that stems from addiction, and our medical staff is trained to treat your symptoms at our rehab, allowing you to achieve recovery.
The benefit of our residential treatment and rehab center is that it allows you to be removed from your normal environment, where the triggers for drug and alcohol use can be higher. Through individual and group sessions that are monitored by our medical staff, our clients experience an environment that is supportive and focuses on the development of healthy coping methods that address addiction and create healthy habits toward lasting recovery.
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, contact the staff at Inland Detox for additional information.