At Ria, about 10 percent of our patients just don’t tolerate naltrexone at all, and that’s due to side effects. Below, Katie Lain sits down with Ria Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Mendelson, to discuss frequently asked questions about the side effects of naltrexone. Watch the conversation below, or read a transcript of it, which has been lightly edited for clarity.
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Generally, the medication is taken orally in the form of a tablet, though it is also available as an injectable extended-release formulation. The typical starting dose for Naltrexone is 50 mg per day, which may be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s response and any side effects experienced. Naltrexone is a medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder 1. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain and reducing the cravings for alcohol, thereby helping individuals who are struggling with addiction to recover and maintain sobriety. In opioid use disorder, naltrexone acts as a competitive antagonist, preventing exogenous opioids from exerting their euphoric and analgesic effects. Unlike agonist-based therapies such as methadone or buprenorphine, naltrexone is not addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.
Strategies for Managing Common Side Effects
After taking a naltrexone side effects dose of Naltrexone, the blocking effect slowly decreases and goes away over time. People taking Naltrexone for an opioid use disorder can also become more sensitive to the effects of opioids. Severe side effects of Naltrexone include the risk of opioid overdose.
Medications & Supplements
It is also plausible that naltrexone increased anxiety or nervousness, ultimately leading to palpitations and cardiac irregularities. Assuming naltrexone reduces nitric oxide concentrations, intracranial blood vessels may have a more difficult time dilating. The difficulties in dilation may contribute to excessive vasoconstriction and the experience of headaches. If you want to reduce the severity of headaches, consider increasing hydration (water intake) and talk to your doctor about possible headache alleviating agents (e.g. ibuprofen).
Naltrexone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Never share this medicine with anyone else, especially someone who is using opioids. Naltrexone causes withdrawal symptoms in people who are using opioids. Take drug addiction this medicine only as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your healthcare provider ordered. This medicine is available only with your healthcare provider’s prescription.
Do not try to overcome the effects of the medication by taking large amounts of opioids or https://leadsfizz.com/meetings-alcoholics-anonymous-tokyo/ by drinking large amounts of alcohol. Also, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opioids after you stop taking this medication. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
- If you experience frequent or severe headaches while on Naltrexone, discussing this with your doctor can help determine the best course of action.
- Otherdose regimens or durations of therapy were not evaluated in these trials.
- Endorphins and enkephalins are understood to help alleviate pain, but their effects may be blocked by naltrexone – causing us to experience more pain than usual in joints and muscles.
If side effects persist or become difficult to handle, discussing concerns with a doctor can help adjust the treatment plan or explore alternative solutions. The liver processes Naltrexone, and in rare cases, it can cause liver toxicity, especially at high doses. People with pre-existing liver conditions should use caution when taking this medication. While Naltrexone is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience severe side effects. Although these are rare, recognizing the signs early can help prevent complications.
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If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Vivitrol (naltrexone) is commonly used for the following conditions. In skin conditions, LDN’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the severity of flare-ups by regulating inflammatory pathways. It can also support healing by boosting the production of endorphins, which may aid in skin regeneration and barrier repair. For autoimmune-driven conditions like psoriasis, LDN may help calm the immune response that triggers excessive skin cell growth.
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- Unlike the standard naltrexone dosage for opioid or alcohol dependence (50–100 mg), LDN is prescribed at much lower doses (0.5–4.5 mg).
- One common side effect of Naltrexone is gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Educating patients about what to expect when starting Naltrexone can alleviate anxiety and encourage adherence.
- Consequently, caution is advised if the concomitant administration ofnaltrexone hydrochloride and other drugs is required.
- This means fewer cravings, less alcohol consumption overall, less binge drinking, and an overall healthier lifestyle.
For naltrexone, the average elimination half-life of naltrexone is between 4 hours and 13 hours. The immediate-release pill form of naltrexone (also known as naltrexone HCL) can be detected in urine for 4-6 hours, in blood for up to 24 hours, in saliva for up to 1 day, and in hair for up to 90 days. Additionally, a multitude of personal factors like age, chronic illness, body mass, hydration, and metabolism can all impact how long naltrexone lasts in your system.
Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation. For more information about naltrexone, its side effects, or how to find naltrexone treatment options, call our helpline to speak to one of our staff today. ✔️ Some people who take naltrexone have reported experiencing very vivid dreams or nightmares while taking naltrexone for drug or alcohol addiction. As a prescription drug, Naltrexone requires medical supervision to address side effects and ensure safe use. Always follow medical advice to ensure safe and effective treatment. As a prescription drug, Naltrexone should be used under medical supervision to monitor its impact on mental health.