Naltrexone
Brand names
Usage
To aid in the treatment of narcotic and alcohol dependence, in conjunction with
psychological and social
counseling. Naltrexone is not
effective in treating dependency on cocaine or other
nonopioid medicaments.
How it works
Naltrexone blocks the
euphoric effects of opioid
narcotics (such as morphine
and heroin) by competitive
binding to opioid receptors in
the brain. While the precise
mechanism of action for alcohol dependence is unknown, naltrexone has been shown to
reduce alcohol craving and
consumption.
Side effects
- Serious
- Naltrexone may cause liver damage when taken in excess
or by people with liver disease due to other causes. Call
your doctor immediately if you develop abdominal pain
lasting more than a few days, white bowel movements,
dark urine, or a yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin.
- Common
- For alcoholism: nausea,
headache,
dizziness, nervousness,
fatigue. For narcotic addiction: difficulty sleeping,
nervousness, anxiety, abdominal pain or
cramps, nausea,
vomiting,
decreased energy, muscle and
joint pain, headache.
- Less common
- For alcoholism: insomnia, vomiting, anxiety, drowsiness.
For narcotic addiction: loss of appetite,
constipation,
diarrhea, increased thirst, increased energy,
depression,
irritability, dizziness, skin rash,
impotence, chills.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
Naltrexone taken concurrently with:
- narcotic medicines may result in a severe reaction.
- other medicaments that are toxic to the liver may result in increased risk of liver toxicity.
- thioridazine (Mellaril) may result in somnolence and lethargy.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Ephedra or kola may worsen anxiety associated with abstaining from alcohol.
Valerian or
kava kava may ease anxiety or difficulty falling asleep. Talk to
your doctor before you add any herbal medicine.
- Alcohol:
- Obviously not recommended, as this medication is part of a
combination approach to help problem drinkers.
- Marijuana smoking:
- Should not be attempted.
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