What is naltrexone and how does it work?

What is naltrexone and how does it work?

Naltrexone is a medication that works in the brain to treat dependence on alcohol or opioids. Naltrexone works by blocking the effect of opioid receptors and decreasing cravings and urges to use alcohol or opioids.

What does Naltrexone do to the body?

Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists. It works in the brain to prevent opiate effects (e.g., feelings of well-being, pain relief). It also decreases the desire to take opiates. This medication is also used to treat alcohol abuse.

What was Naltrexone originally used for?

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist and works by blocking the effects of opioids, both those from inside and outside the body. Naltrexone was first made in 1965 and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1984….Naltrexone.

Clinical data
Onset of action	30 minutes

Does naltrexone affect mood?

The relation between depressive symptoms and poor adherence to naltrexone may be bidirectional: improving either depressive symptoms or adherence may assist in the improvement of the other. Our findings are consistent with more recent data that report small improvements in mood associated with naltrexone treatment.

Does naltrexone make you happy?

Opioids act on brain receptors called opioid receptors. When these receptors are activated, they cause the pleasurable symptom called euphoria. Naltrexone blocks these receptors and stops your brain from feeling the “high” or craving an opioid.

Does naltrexone make you feel good?

Does naltrexone affect appetite?

Naltrexone alone is known to decrease appetite and reduce the appeal of food. Naltrexone use could lead to weight loss on its own, however, appetite reduction is generally a desired side effect for individuals concerned about increasing appetite or weight gain secondary to lifestyle changes or medication adjustments.

Does naltrexone stop you from feeling happy?

Upsides. When used to treat opioid (narcotic) addiction or dependence, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects (feelings of well-being) of opioids, so the user gains no psychological benefit from the opioid. It also helps to reduce cravings.

Does naltrexone help anxiety?

“The patients reported decreases in anxiety, pain, and sleeping habits from baseline,” Dr. Metyas noted. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence.

Can naltrexone make you angry?

Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Remember that use of naltrexone is only part of your treatment.

What does naltrexone do for You?

Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists. It works in the brain to prevent opiate effects (e.g., feelings of well-being, pain relief). It also decreases the desire to take opiates.

What are the side effects of naltrexone?

In Summary. Commonly reported side effects of naltrexone include: streptococcal pharyngitis, syncope, anxiety, arthralgia, arthritis, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, frequent headaches, headache, joint stiffness, nasopharyngitis, nausea, nervousness, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attack, pharyngitis, posttraumatic stress disorder,…

Is naltrexone considered a controlled substance?

Naltrexone is not considered to be a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act ; however, it’s currently available by prescription only. Any licensed physician can prescribe naltrexone and it doesn’t have to be used only in a clinical setting like methadone when it’s taken orally.

How much does naltrexone cost?

This naltrexone price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies. The cost for naltrexone oral tablet 50 mg is around $66 for a supply of 30 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit.