Author: James Anderson

Naltrexone Oral Route Proper Use

Be sure that you follow all of your doctor’s orders, including seeing your therapist and/or attending support group meetings on a regular basis. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medication should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justifies the potential risk to the fetus. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Remember that use of naltrexone is only part of your treatment.

1. Naltrexone may be taken with food or antacids if stomach upset occurs.
2. This medication is used to prevent people who have been addicted to certain drugs (opiates) from taking them again.
3. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.
4. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.
5. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Before taking naltrexone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. This medication may be given as part of a program where a health care professional will watch you take the medication. In this case, this medication may be taken every 2 to 3 days to make it easier to schedule clinic visits. Naltrexone may be taken with food or antacids if stomach upset occurs.

Can you still get drunk on naltrexone?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use naltrexone only for the indication prescribed. This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. If any of these side effects occur, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert while you are taking naltrexone.

In some cases, naltrexone can also have toxic effects on the liver. Therefore, combining naltrexone with excessive amounts of alcohol, which also damages the liver, can impair your liver function and lead to liver complications. Those with prior liver issues should consult their doctor before taking naltrexone. Clinical trials have shown that naltrexone is safe and well-tolerated when taken while still drinking. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform any dangerous activities until you know how naltrexone will affect you. Naltrexone may cause dizziness and drowsiness and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Common side effects of naltrexone include headache and nausea. If you experience side effects from naltrexone, you can discuss your dosage with your physician and make adjustments to help mitigate any negative effects. You may decide to take a smaller dose, or change the time of day in which you take naltrexone. While naltrexone is generally well tolerated, how you feel while taking it can vary by individual. Some people may have no adverse reaction from naltrexone at all, while others may experience side effects such as nausea and headaches.

This medication will not make you feel sick if you drink alcohol while taking it. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. This is not all the information you need to know about naltrexone for safe and effective use. Review the full naltrexone prescribing information and discuss this drug with your doctor or other health care provider.

Is Naltrexone Treatment Right For You?

This medication is used to prevent people who have been addicted to certain drugs (opiates) from taking them again. It is used as part of a complete treatment program for drug abuse (such as compliance monitoring, counseling, behavioral contract, lifestyle changes). This medication must not be used in people currently taking opiates, including methadone. Doing so can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists.

Since naltrexone prevents you from feeling the same way you usually do when you drink alcohol, it can be difficult to realize that you are intoxicated. In general, oral naltrexone is absorbed well by the body, making it very effective for most people who take it. Once you take naltrexone, the medication reaches its maximum effect in about one hour, so it begins working very quickly.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, attempted suicide, or other mental health disorders before you start treatment. Tell your family members, friends or other people close to you that you are taking naltrexone. They should call a doctor right away if you become depressed or experience symptoms of depression. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.

Related medical questions

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. Tell all medical doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you go to that you are taking naltrexone.

Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. It may be helpful to have someone else, such as a family member, doctor, or nurse, give you each dose as scheduled. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.