Naltrexone

• Treatment of Alcohol dependence
• Treatment of Opioid dependence

When should one not use Naltrexone

• If you are allergic to any component of Naltrexone.
• If you have suicidal thoughts.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you are below 18 years of age.
• If you have severe renal impairment.
• If you have severe hepatic impairment.
• If you have acute hepatitis.
• If you are currently using opioid medicines or are in opioid withdrawal.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain

Other General Warnings

• You experience any severe side effects.
• You are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
• Your symptoms do not improve, or there is worsening of your condition.
• You have severe liver impairment.
• You have renal impairment.
• You are taking prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal products, vitamins and nutritional supplements or plan to take as there is a chance of interaction.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Interaction with high dose opioids with Naltrexone can lead to life-threatening opioid poisoning from respiratory and circulatory impairment.
• Interaction with Methadone in substitution treatment increases the risk of the onset of withdrawal syndrome.
• Interaction with antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, trimipramine), antipsychotic (thioridazine), antibiotics (clarithromycin), anti-rheumatic (leflunomide), sedative (droperidol), Opioid (codeine), Central antihypertensives, (alpha-methyldopa) etc., can also cause some severe side effects.

Interactions with food items

• You can continue with the usual diet as food doesn't influence the effect of Naltrexone. Speak with your doctor about any supplements or herbal drinks you are currently taking before using this medicine.

Overdose

Missed a Dose