Brand Name
Naltrexone (ReVia For registered Alcoholics
Brief Description
Naltrexone Hydrochloride is an opiate antagonist (blocks the effects) and is not addictive. Naltrexone is prescribed after detoxification for the treatment of heroin and alcohol addiction.
How does Naltrexone Work?
Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and as a result blocking the effects of heroin and other opioids. Which prevents the person getting high. Naltrexone on its own will not stop a person wanting to use heroin, therefore it works best when other supports are in place. Naltrexone is a non-addictive drug. Before taking this drug you must be drug free for at least 7 to 10 days.
How is Naltrexone used?
Naltrexone (brand name) Revia is usually taken orally in 50mg tablet form, it also so can be implanted under the skin. An implant supports the person in several ways these include
What is the Naltrexone implant?
A Naltrexone implant is a special formulation of Naltrexone which is designed to release slowly. It is placed under the patient’s skin. The advantage of an implant includes:
- Prevents the person forgetting to take there meds
- Prevents the person stopping there meds
There maybe be some associated side effects with the Naltrexone Implant including infection, irritation or inflammation.
What are the side effects of Naltrexone?
Naltrexone can cause side effects.
These can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain, joint and muscle pain
- Tiredness
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Difficulty sleeping
- Being thirsty alot
- Loss of appetite
- Delayed ejaculation
- Sweating
- Feeling down
- Skin rash
- Chills
How can they tell if
you have stopped using Heroin?
After a negative urine test has been achieved for opioids, a naloxone (Narcan) challenge test is administered by a doctor to determine the remaining degree of physical dependence on opioids.
What are the risks associated with Naltrexone?
Studies show the greatest risks associated with naltrexone is people can die if they use heroin after being on naltrexone. Overdose can happen easily due to a lack of tolerance following a period of abstinence. When the Naltrexone wears off, patients have a very low tolerance for opiates and therefore should class themselves as a new user to the drug. People on Naltrexone need to understand this very clearly. It is important to know also that the combination of heroin and sedatives including alcohol can be particularly lethal. As well it is possible to overdose if the person tries to override their naltrexone treatment.
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