Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a condition where an individual cannot control the amount of alcohol intake or stop using it despite the physical, mental, and social consequences it creates. For alcohol addiction, there are several effective treatments, including medications and therapy. Naltrexone is one of the three medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with Acamprosate and Disulfiram, to treat AUD. Naltrexone acts by reducing the cravings for alcohol, thus preventing the chances of relapse. It also helps reduce the feeling of excitement caused by alcohol consumption.
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an effective medicine, approved by the FDA, prescribed by medical practitioners for Alcohol addiction. Naltrexone is available both as an oral tablet and an intramuscular injection (Vivitrol). It is also used to treat opioid use disorder.
It is prescribed to persons with moderate to severe alcoholism. Before taking the medicine, the patient must withdraw from alcohol consumption for several days.
25 mg is the starting dose of naltrexone, which gradually increases to 50mg. Oral dosage for adults suffering from alcohol use disorder is usually 50mg per day, and for children, the dose is as prescribed by a medical professional. The drug should typically be taken after a meal. Taking double doses is not prescribed.
How does Naltrexone work?
Alcohol causes the body to release β-endorphin, which is a natural opioid that increases dopamine and creates the feeling of a high upon alcohol consumption. Naltrexone counters the effect of β-endorphin and decreases the dopamine effect created by alcohol.
The euphoric feeling of taking alcohol will be decreased while taking this medicine. One must not use alcohol in overdose to overcome it, as it can cause serious issues. Some people may exhibit feelings of nervousness, troubled feelings, or any other abnormal behaviors as a part of taking this medicine.
If you are feeling sleepless, anxious, depressed, or any other abnormal feeling, let your healthcare provider know, as things may worsen without the intervention of a medical provider.
However, Naltrexone is not a remedy and should not be used to become inebriated after consuming alcohol. First-time users of this medicine should not engage in activities such as driving after taking it because they may feel dizzy or drowsy.
Common Side Effects
Side effects are common in most medicines. Side effects are the effects on the body and mind caused by the medicine, apart from its main purpose. If any of these serious side effects occur, inform your healthcare provider. Some serious side effects of Naltrexone include;
- Allergic reaction
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling
- Cough that does not stop
- Wheezing
- Severe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.
- Severe pain, swelling, or a lump at the place in the body where medicine is injected.
- Liver problems, such as Stomach pain in the upper right side of the stomach, jaundice, dark urine, or clay-colored stool, or loss of appetite.
- Depression
Apart from these, there are common side effects of Naltrexone which are not serious, such as,
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Muscle cramps
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Cold
- Sore throat
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
These common side effects occur during the initial days of taking the medicine and might subside gradually.
If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother, you need to tell your doctor, as it may harm the baby.
Conclusion
Naltrexone is an effective medicine taken for opioid and alcohol addiction. It works on the body by diminishing the euphoric or high feeling that is caused by alcohol. Along with the medicine, people with AUD also undergo therapy and counseling sessions to completely get rid of the disorder and to avoid any relapse. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider and keep the dose as prescribed. Along with that, give timely updates to the doctor when consulting with them regarding any side effects.
FAQ
Naltrexone starts to work within one hour of consumption, and the effect of 50mg oral Naltrexone can last up to 36 hours. With higher doses, the effect also lasts longer.
No, Naltrexone works the opposite by diminishing the euphoric effects of alcohol by blocking the opioid and endorphin receptors. Since it helps reduce the high effect that is caused by alcohol drinking, it helps decrease the craving for alcohol, thus helping reduce alcohol addiction.
Oral Naltrexone treatment can last for three to four months. Even after discontinuing Naltrexone, the patient must be monitored for up to six months.
A 30-day supply of Naltrexone can cost somewhere between $25 and $108. The injectable version without insurance, however, is on a slightly pricier side, that is ranging between $1,200 to $2,500 per month.
Naltrexone is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be purchased over the counter. Taking it while on alcohol addiction can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous. Hence, only a medical practitioner should prescribe the required dosage of medicine after thorough evaluation.
