Navigation: What is Naltrexone and What is it for?, What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Opioid Drugs?, Suboxone vs. Naltrexone, Side Effects of Naltrexone, What Happens if You Take Too Much Naltrexone?, Is Naltrexone Dangerous?, Can You Get Addicted to Naltrexone?
Naltrexone therapy is commonly used for people who are struggling with opioid use disorder. This is because naltrexone is not an opioid, not addictive, and not associated with any withdrawal symptoms. Even if you stop taking naltrexone, you won’t experience uncomfortable cravings or side effects. Basically, there is no potential for abuse and diversion with this medication.
That said, patients should still talk to a healthcare professional before beginning naltrexone treatment. They will determine if naltrexone is the appropriate choice for your condition. They will also recommend the proper method of administration, whether it’s in the form of oral naltrexone treatment, naltrexone implants, or anything else.
Patients should tell their healthcare provider if they have current liver problems, taking other opioid medications, currently being treated for alcohol dependence, allergic to naltrexone, or are pregnant.
Despite its benefits, naltrexone is not completely free from side effects and potential adverse effects if the person takes too much. Here we will talk all about naltrexone, its effects, and what happens when you take too much of it. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Naltrexone and What is it for?
Naltrexone is a medication used to treat various conditions, primarily related to substance abuse and addiction. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids in the body.
Naltrexone comes in different forms, including oral tablets and extended-release injectable formulations. The extended-release injectable naltrexone, also known as Vivitrol, is administered once a month, making it a convenient option for some patients.
Mainly, it is used for opioid addiction treatment. By binding to opioid receptors in the brain, it can block the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. This can help reduce cravings for opioids and prevent relapse in people who are struggling with opioid dependence.
Naltrexone treatment can effectively block the effects of drugs like heroin, morphine, and codeine. This drug prevents the person from getting high, essentially eliminating the reason people get addicted in the first place.
It is important to note that when people go through naltrexone treatment, their tolerance for opioids is reduced. This means if a person suddenly relapses and starts taking the same dosage of opioids that they used to take, there is a high risk of overdose, which may have life-threatening consequences like circulatory collapse and respiratory arrest.
Naltrexone doesn’t just help with drug abuse but also with alcohol abuse and dependence. It can be used to help individuals with alcohol use disorder—a condition that is also known as alcoholism. It is believed to work by reducing the rewarding effects of alcohol, thereby decreasing a person’s desire to drink.
The most important thing to remember is that naltrexone is not a stand-alone solution for addiction. It is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling, behavioral therapies, and support from healthcare professionals. It is supposed to be used as part of medication-assisted treatment or MAT.
As with any medication, naltrexone may have side effects, so it’s essential for patients to discuss their medical history and any other medications they are taking with their healthcare provider before starting this treatment.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Opioid Drugs?
Naloxone itself is not associated with withdrawal symptoms because it is not an opioid. In fact, naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids on the body’s opioid receptors. However, it is still important to discuss the withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting or reducing your opioid intake.
Opioids are highly addictive substances. When someone who has been using them regularly or in large amounts suddenly stops or reduces their intake, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include: body aches, chills, sweating, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, restlessness, irritability, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, aches and pains, uncontrollable yawning, pupil dilation, anxiety, runny nose, teary eyes, goosebumps, depression, and intense drug cravings.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable and challenging to cope with, often leading to cravings and relapse if not managed properly. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the type of opioid used, the duration of use, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health.
It’s essential to recognize that opioid withdrawal can be a severe and potentially dangerous process, especially for those with a history of heavy opioid use.
In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they lead to serious health complications. Seeking professional medical help is important when attempting to quit opioids. Not only can medical professionals administer naltrexone to control opioid cravings, they can also provide strategies to manage withdrawal symptoms and keep the patient safe throughout the detox process.
Suboxone vs. Naltrexone
Both Suboxone and Naltrexone are equally effective when it comes to addiction treatment for heroin and prescription painkillers. However, they don’t work the exact same way.
Suboxone is a daily pill that is taken as a replacement medication similar to methadone. It is a partial agonist that is taken before or after medical detox.
On the other hand, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. It comes in various forms, including oral tablets and extended-release injectable formulations.
Suboxone is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for opioid addiction. It helps patients stabilize their condition, reduce drug cravings, and participate more effectively in behavioral therapy and counseling.
The key difference between the two is that naltrexone is non-addictive and does not produce physical dependence. However, it may not be as effective in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms during the early stages of treatment compared to Suboxone.
The choice between Suboxone and Naltrexone depends on the individual’s specific circumstances, including their addiction history, treatment goals, and medical needs.
Both medications can be effective components of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction when used in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Ultimately, the decision on which medication to use should be made by a healthcare professional based on careful assessment and individualized treatment planning.
Side Effects of Naltrexone
Sometimes people who take naltrexone may experience side effects. However, this does not mean they should stop taking their medication. It’s a better idea to consult with your healthcare provider so that they can properly adjust your dosage or change the medication if necessary.
The most common side effects of naltrexone include: headache, diarrhea, nervousness, sleep problems, joint pain, muscle pain, dizziness, fatigue, decreased appetite, skin rashes, itching, and changes in liver function.
Not everyone will experience side effects, and the severity and frequency of these effects can vary from person to person. Keep track of these side effects and keep an eye out for allergic reactions to naltrexone.
Naltrexone should only be taken under the guidance and prescription of a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and any potential interactions or risks. If you or someone you know is taking naltrexone and experiences any unusual or severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
What Happens if You Take Too Much Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is considered a life-saving medication because it can rapidly restore normal breathing and consciousness in individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. When someone takes naloxone, it quickly binds to the opioid receptors, displacing any opioids that may be present and effectively reversing the effects of opioid overdose.
Remember that even if you administer naloxone to someone who is suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose, it is still necessary to seek immediate medical attention, as they may require further treatment and support to manage withdrawal and avoid potential overdose recurrence.
While naltrexone can help reverse opioid overdoses, it should be noted that it is also possible to overdose on naltrexone.
An overdose on naltrexone can occur if someone takes more than the prescribed dose or if they take the medication without a prescription. Naltrexone overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and difficulty breathing.
There are other potential consequences of taking too much naltrexone such as:
Increased side effects: Remember all the common side effects listed earlier? Taking an excessive dose of naltrexone can intensify these side effects, making them more uncomfortable or bothersome.
Liver toxicity: Naltrexone is primarily metabolized by the liver, so taking too much of the drug may strain the liver’s capacity to process it, potentially leading to liver damage or toxicity.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be hypersensitive to naltrexone, and an overdose could trigger allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing.
Respiratory depression: Although naltrexone itself does not cause respiratory depression (a dangerous slowing of breathing rate), in individuals who are also using opioids, an overdose of naltrexone could prevent the normal protective effects of opioids, leading to respiratory depression.
Increased risk of overdose with opioids: Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids, reducing their appeal, and preventing opioid-dependent individuals from getting high. If someone takes too much naltrexone and then uses opioids, the blocking effect may be diminished, increasing the risk of an opioid overdose.
Cardiovascular issues: While not common, excessive naltrexone intake may lead to changes in heart rate or blood pressure, which can be a concern, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
These effects can range from mild to severe, and they may also vary from person to person.
Is Naltrexone Dangerous?
As a medication for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence, naltrexone is generally considered safe, especially when used appropriately and under medical supervision.
However, like any medication, it can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. It is essential to understand its potential risks and benefits before starting treatment.
It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and disclose your medical history and any other medications or substances you are using before starting naltrexone treatment. Naltrexone may interact with certain medications, so it is essential to ensure its safe use in combination with other drugs.
As with any medication, if you have concerns or experience any adverse effects while taking naltrexone, you should promptly contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Self-adjusting or stopping the medication without medical guidance can be dangerous and may not effectively address the underlying condition it is meant to treat.
Can You Get Addicted to Naltrexone?
Naltrexone itself is not addictive. In fact, it is an opioid antagonist that can have significant effects on people who are physically dependent on opioids or alcohol. Naltrexone is used to help treat alcohol and opioid dependence by reducing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of these substances.
Since naltrexone blocks the receptors in the brain that are affected by opioids and alcohol, it can precipitate withdrawal symptoms if taken while a person is still dependent on these substances. This could lead to a negative association with the medication, making it less likely for the person to abuse it.
However, it’s crucial to note that addiction is not solely about the physical dependence on a substance. Psychological dependence, habit formation, and various behavioral factors can also contribute to addiction. Some people abuse addictive substances as a way to cope with a co-occurring mental illness, for example.
While naltrexone is not addictive itself, a person may be reluctant to discontinue its use if they believe it is helping them maintain sobriety from opioids or alcohol.
When taken as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, naltrexone can be a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioids and help treat opioid dependence. However, it still has side effects and the risk of overdose, so it is still important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder or alcohol addiction, look for a rehab center near you today and learn more about the available treatment options. Like we mentioned, naltrexone is only one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. There are many other things that go into addiction treatment. Get started on your road to recovery today.
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