Naltrexone

naltrexone hydrochloride

Naltrexone is used to support counseling and social support for people who have stopped drinking, using street drugs, etc. Naltrexone should be administered in people who are still addicted to using drug and alcohol. Naltrexone can also be used for other treatments, as well. Naltrexone belongs to the class opiate antagonists, which decreases the alcohol craving and blocks the effect of Opoid medications.

Naltrexone comes in the form of tablets that is taken orally. Naltrexone is taken once every day with or without food or water. At clinics, the drug is taken either once daily or once every alternate days or once every third day or the drug is taken daily except on Sundays. The instruction on the prescription has to be followed religiously. Naltrexone has to be taken exactly as advised by the doctor. You cannot change the dosage amount unless advised by the doctor.

• Naltrexone is beneficial only if it is a part of the addiction treatment program. However, the patients are advised not to skip any counseling sessions, support group meetings etc, even if they are administering the drug.
• Naltrexone helps to avoid the addiction of alcohol or street drugs; however, they cannot help to relieve the withdrawal symptoms.
• Naltrexone is also useful only as long as you administer the drug. You cannot stop the medication unless advised by the doctor.

It is wise to inform the doctor if you suffer from one or many of the below mentioned conditions.

• If you suffer from naloxone or other opoid medication allergies
• If you take any narcotic medications like levomethadyl acetate, methadones like Dolophine, Methadose
• If you take medications for diarrhea, cough, pain, etc. Also mention, if you have taken the medication since last 7 to 10 days.
• Do not take opoid medications or opoid street drugs during treatment with naloxone, as the drug blocks the action of Opoid drugs
• If you had taken opoid medications before the starting of naloxone treatment, as it makes the individual sensitive to the effects of naloxone drug
• If you are taking any alternative medication or counter medication, nutrition supplement, vitamin supplement, or any herbal products
• If you suffer from depression or any kidney disease
• If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or if you are breast feeding
• If you require surgery related to dental, etc
• If you experience feeling of sadness, depression, suicidal thoughts.
• If you suffer from anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, or thinking about harming yourself, etc.

The patient can follow the regular diet unless advised by the doctor.

In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

Some of the side effects of Naltrexone include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Nervous feeling
• Irritability
• Tearful feeling
• Difficulty in staying asleep
• Increased or decreased energy
• Drowsy feeling
• Muscle or joint pain
• Rashes

Warning Signs:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Blurred vision
• Severe vomit
• Diarrhea

Naltrexone should be kept in an air tight container and is stored at temperatures between 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Storage temperature between 15 to 30 degree Celsius is also broadly accepted. Naltrexone should be stored away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

In case of drug overdose contact your nearest emergency care center.

If you still have any doubts regarding the drug administration or drug usage, it is wise to contact your physician for clearing your doubts. In case your symptoms do not wane in days, it is wise to consult doctor for drug discontinuation or altering the drug dosage amount.