Naltrexone Side Effects: What to Know for a Safe Recovery Journey

For opioid dependence, treatment should be initiated with an initial dose of 25 mg of Naltrexone Hydrochloride tablets. There are numerous reasons as to why someone taking a higher dose of naltrexone will be at increased risk of side effects. Whenever a larger dose of naltrexone is ingested, it exerts a more significant effect upon the user’s neurophysiology.

How Effective is Naltrexone for Opioid & Alcohol Use Disorder?

As LDN gains traction, especially among healthcare providers specializing in integrative medicine, it’s important to consider real-world prescribing practices. LDN is commonly given at dosing levels that differ from those used for addiction treatment. Feedback from patient experiences suggests that LDN can positively impact quality of life, especially when traditional treatments have fallen short.

Other Conditions

But if this isn’t the case, this effect may be manageable through a variety of means. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, there are several risk factors that can predict nausea as a likely side effect while taking naltrexone. Discover the diverse sources of stem cells and where they can be found. Learn about the potential applications of stem cells in medical research and treatment. If you’re exploring the side effects of low dose naltrexone, you’re likely seeking detailed information. We evaluate medical studies published in reputable scientific journals to form our opinions on a product or health matter, ensuring the utmost scientific precision.

Do the side effects of naltrexone go away over time, or are they long term?

• Patients should be alerted that they may be more sensitive to opioids, even at lower doses, afternaltrexone hydrochloride treatment is discontinued.
• In any regard, despite the therapeutic practicality naltrexone for the management of severe alcohol and opioid dependence, not every patient finds it tolerable.
• Although they weren’t common, cases of opioid overdose have been reported in people who took opioids during or after treatment with naltrexone in clinical trials.
• Never share Naltrexone with anyone else, especially someone using narcotics.
• However, it should be used under medical supervision for safe and effective treatment.

But if you escalate doses, risks do increase, and you want to have a professional working with you at that point. So my big point here is, while naltrexone works for many people, not everyone is going to get a good response, and it’s not just because they didn’t give it a good effort. And for those individuals, we do have medications that are effective and safe and can work well. naltrexone side effects You’ll need to work with your physicians on that—a good, knowledgeable physician.

An addict may try to overcome this block by taking their opioid substance in larger amounts than they usually consume, eventually developing signs of an overdose. Clinical studies indicate that 50 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride will block the pharmacologic effectsof 25 mg of intravenously administered heroin for periods as long as 24 hours. Other data suggest thatdoubling the dose of naltrexone hydrochloride provides blockade for 48 hours, and tripling the dose ofnaltrexone hydrochloride provides blockade for about 72 hours. Patients taking naltrexone hydrochloride may not benefit from opioid containing medicines, such ascough and cold preparations, antidiarrheal preparations, and opioid analgesics. Lethargy and somnolence have been reported following doses of naltrexone hydrochloride andthioridazine. Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets USP are indicated in the treatment of alcohol dependence and for theblockade of the effects of exogenously administered opioids.

Overall, there are many reasons a high dose naltrexone should experience more side effects than a low dose user. Users of naltrexone could become dehydrated if they experience diarrhea. For this reason, increasing water intake may actually be helpful. Obviously if you’re really thirsty, drinking more than usual, and experiencing frequent urination – you may want to scale back.

Unlike the standard naltrexone dosage for opioid or alcohol dependence (50–100 mg), LDN is prescribed at much lower doses (0.5–4.5 mg). The mechanism of action of naltrexone hydrochloride in alcoholism is not understood; however,involvement of the endogenous opioid system is suggested by preclinical data. Naltrexonehydrochloride, an opioid receptor antagonist, competitively binds to such receptors and may block theeffects of endogenous opioids.

Individuals with preexisting Substance abuse musculoskeletal and/or joint disorders may be most at risk of stiffness as a side effect. Changes in peripheral nervous system activation and blood flow may contribute to stiffness as a side effect. If you’re experiencing stomach aches from naltrexone, some resources suggest that eating a bit of food and/or only taking it after a large meal may be helpful.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about naltrexone injection. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving naltrexone injection. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate your Naltrexone treatment with confidence, maximizing its benefits while minimizing potential discomfort. Your commitment to your health and recovery is commendable, and with the right support and information, you’re well-equipped to handle the challenges that may arise along the way.

It is most effective when used in combination with counseling and behavior therapy. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. It is possible that people with an alcohol use disorder may begin to use other substances of misuse such as narcotics or opioids. Should you begin to use other substances of misuse, call your healthcare provider. Make sure that you and your caregiver have the medicine naloxone, which is used to reverse the effects of opioids. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to get and administer naloxone.

LDN and Autoimmune Diseases

An increase in naltrexone AUC of approximately 5-and 10-fold in patients with compensated anddecompensated liver cirrhosis, respectively, compared with subjects with normal liver function hasbeen reported. These data also suggest that alterations in naltrexone bioavailability are related to liverdisease severity. If the test is negative, naltrexone hydrochloride tablets therapy may be started ifno other contraindications are present. If there is any doubt about the result of the test, hold naltrexonehydrochloride tablets and repeat the challenge in 24 hours. Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets USP, an opioid antagonist, are a synthetic congener of oxymorphone with no opioid agonist properties.

If a person uses opioids (prescription or illicit) while taking naltrexone, they can experience precipitated opioid withdrawal because naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids. Precipitated withdrawal occurs suddenly and includes telltale opioid withdrawal effects such as muscle pain, diarrhea, cramping, and sweating. Because naltrexone is a long-acting opioid blocker, taking more opioids to help alleviate these already present opioid withdrawal effects will further worsen the withdrawal. Naltrexone injection is used along with counseling and social support to help people who have stopped drinking large amounts of alcohol to avoid drinking again.