In 2021, there were over 100,000 overdose-related deaths in the US alone and opioid use is the primary driver of these tragedies. Opioids—also called narcotics—are natural or synthetic drugs made to reduce pain. The class of drugs includes prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and heroin. With opioid misuse becoming more prevalent in our society, we’ve made it our mission to provide treatment, help, and support to our community. Naltrexone is one medication we may use during treatment. What is naltrexone used for?
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What is Naltrexone Used for and How Does it Work?
Used to treat both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, naltrexone is prescribed in addition to therapy for addiction recovery. Naltrexone is available as a pill for alcohol use disorder or as an extended-release intramuscular injectable for either opioid or alcohol use disorder. The pill is taken daily and the injectable is administered once per month by a physician.
Naltrexone is not a prescription opioid and does not worsen addiction symptoms. It belongs to a group of prescription drugs known as opioid antagonists which block the effects of opioids by binding and blocking opioid receptors.
Naltrexone is a single component of the patient’s comprehensive treatment. Modern Psychiatry and Wellness uses a combination of methods aimed at treating the whole person versus the single problem. In combination with psychotherapy, patients will receive naltrexone to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Possible Side Effects
Similar to other prescription medications, naltrexone affects everyone differently. Some side effects reported include:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Body aches and pains
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
The side effects of naltrexone may vary. If side effects become bothersome or do not go away, please alert the physician so the dosage or medication type can be adjusted.
Naltrexone’s Effectiveness
Naltrexone has shown great success when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program including counseling, therapies, and positive support from loved ones. Medication-assisted treatment is shown to help people stay in treatment, reduce opioid use, overdoses, and the risks associated with opioid use disorder. When used to treat alcohol use disorder, naltrexone has shown to be more effective for preventing relapse to heavy drinking and reducing high levels of consumption.
Recover with Modern Psychiatry and Wellness
Both opioid and alcohol use disorders require continuing care to be effective. While it may be difficult to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one, there is help available. Modern Psychiatry and Wellness offers a variety of services to help combat the symptoms of addiction. To learn more about our customized treatment options, please contact us today. We accept walk-in assessments in our Hamilton and West Chester offices Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
