Naltrexone
 
What is Naltrexone and why is it prescribed?
Naltrexone is prescribed to treat alcohol dependence and narcotic addiction. Naltrexone is not a cure. Before taking Naltrexone for narcotic addiction, you must be drug-free for at least 7 to 10 days. You must also be free of any drug withdrawal symptoms. If you think you are still in withdrawal, be sure to tell your doctor, since taking Naltrexone while narcotics are still in your system could cause serious physical problems.

How should you take Naltrexone?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Naltrexone. It is important to take Naltrexone on schedule as directed by your doctor, and to follow through with your counseling and support group therapy. If you take small doses of heroin or other narcotic drugs while taking Naltrexone, they will have no effect. Large doses combined with Naltrexone can be fatal. If you miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Are there any Naltrexone side effects?
Naltrexone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Naltrexone side effects of treatment for alcoholism may include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, and vomiting. Less common Naltrexone side effects of treatment for alcoholism may include anxiety and sleepiness. More common Naltrexone side effects of treatment for narcotic addiction may include abdominal pain/cramps, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headache, joint and muscle pain, low energy, nausea and/or vomiting, and nervousness. Other Naltrexone side effects of treatment for narcotic addiction may include acne, athlete's foot, blurred vision and aching, burning, or swollen eyes, chills, clogged and aching ears, cold sores, cold feet, confusion, constipation, cough, decreased potency, delayed ejaculation, depression, diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, feeling down, fever, fluid retention, frequent urination, gas, hair loss, hallucinations, head "pounding", heavy breathing, hemorrhoids, hoarseness, "hot spells", increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased energy, increased mucus, increased or decreased sexual interest, increased thirst, irregular or fast heartbeat, irritability, itching, light sensitivity, loss of appetite, nightmares, nosebleeds, oily skin, pain in shoulders, legs, or knees, pain in groin, painful urination, paranoia, restlessness, ringing in ears, runny nose, shortness of breath, side pains, sinus trouble, skin rash, sleepiness, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen glands, tremor, throbbing heartbeat, twitching, ulcer, weight loss or gain, and yawning.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Naltrexone?
If Naltrexone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Do not use Antabuse while you are taking Naltrexone. Both drugs can damage your liver. Do not take Mellaril while on Naltrexone therapy, as the combination may make you feel very sleepy and sluggish. While taking Naltrexone avoid medicines that contain narcotics, including cough and cold preparations, such as Actifed-C, Ryna-C, and Dimetane-DC; antidiarrheal medications such as Lomotil; and narcotic painkillers such as Percodan, Tylox, and Tylenol No. 3.

Are there any special warnings about Naltrexone?
Since Naltrexone may cause liver damage when taken at high doses, if you develop symptoms that signal possible liver problems, you should stop taking Naltrexone immediately and see your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms include abdominal pain lasting more than a few days, white bowel movements, dark urine, or yellowing of your eyes. Your doctor may periodically test your liver function while you are on Naltrexone therapy. Caution is also advisable if you have kidney problems. If you are narcotic-dependent and accidentally take Naltrexone, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms lasting up to 48 hours, including confusion, sleepiness, hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this occurs, seek help immediately. Do not attempt to use narcotics while taking Naltrexone. Ask your doctor to give you a Naltrexone medication card to alert medical personnel that you are taking Naltrexone in case of an emergency. If you do require medical treatment, be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking Naltrexone. You should also tell your dentist and pharmacist that you are taking Naltrexone. The safety of Naltrexone in children under 18 years of age has not been established.
 

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor.
 

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