Naltrexone

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and has different roles in alcohol and opioid treatment. It can support change, but recent opioid use, pain care, health conditions and continuing review all matter for safe treatment.

Naltrexone is used in treatment for alcohol use disorder and in some opioid-treatment plans. In alcohol care it can help reduce rewarding effects and heavy drinking. In opioid care it blocks opioid effects after a clinically assessed starting process. It is different from disulfiram, which causes an alcohol reaction, and from naloxone used to reverse an overdose.

Naltrexone does not make drinking harmless, treat a dangerous alcohol withdrawal or protect against every opioid overdose. Trying to overcome opioid blockade by taking more opioids can be fatal. Opioid tolerance may also be lower when treatment is interrupted or ends.

Tell the prescriber about all opioid use, including pain, cough or other medicines and methadone or buprenorphine treatment. Starting naltrexone when physical opioid dependence is present can cause sudden, severe withdrawal. This remains relevant when naltrexone is being considered for alcohol use.

Discuss liver health, unwanted effects and any planned procedure or pain care with the clinicians involved. New yellowing of the eyes, dark urine or persistent abdominal pain needs prompt medical advice. Suspected opioid poisoning with slow or difficult breathing, a seizure, or an inability to wake needs emergency medical help. Sudden confusion needs immediate medical help.

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