The medication has become one of the most effective pharmaceutical treatments foralcohol use disorder.
It can also be effective in the treatment of opioid dependence.
What Is Naltrexone Used to Treat?
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Naltrexone can be prescribed for a few different uses.
While both medications are effective, there are some clear benefits to a long-lasting, once-a-month injection.
Naltrexone in pill formmarketed as ReVia and Depadeis still widely used.
It was also the pill form of naltrexone that was initially approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
For this indication, the pill is not ideal because of poor treatment adherence.
Because of this, there is poor evidence supporting its benefits in reducing opioid use.
This form of naltrexone could be injected once and beslowly released into the system for a month.
In 2010, the FDA also approved the use of Vivitrol to treat people with opioid dependence.
Research suggests that this leads to greater medication compliance.
It is important to be opioid-free for a certain period of time before you begin receiving naltrexone injections.
Accidental overdose can occur, which may result in death.
Monthly naltrexone injections should not be used by people who have acute hepatitis or liver failure.
Only 6.7% of the group receiving 190 milligrams discontinued treatment due to adverse side effects.
The study was one of the largest trials of subjects treated with medication for alcohol dependence.
The researchers concluded that extended-release naltrexone was well tolerated and significantly reduced heavy drinking in actively drinking individuals.
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects can also occur in some cases.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
How Effective Is Naltrexone?
Research suggests that naltrexone can be effective in the treatment of both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
Receiving this medication as a once-a-month shot can be an effective way to reduce your alcohol or drug use.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Naltrexone.
doi:10.1136/bcr-2019-232502
National Institute on Drug Abuse.How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder?
2012;11(1):1-8.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.Chapter 5extended-release injectable naltrexone.
In:Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; 2009:49.
Food and Drug Administration.Vivitrol medication guide.
