Naltrexone Side Effects: Risks, Warnings, and Common Reactions

Naltrexone blocks the reinforcement of euphoria and craving for these addictive substances, helping in deaddiction (or rehabilitation). Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about naltrexone injection. Sleep changes were a common side effect reported in studies of naltrexone. If you have other questions about naltrexone’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To learn more about possible side effects with low dose naltrexone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to naltrexone, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Warnings for Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets

  • Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vivitrol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
  • Research studies have found LDN to be effective in treating fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions.
  • Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
  • Naltrexone basically works by blocking opioid receptors in your brain.

Naltrexone hydrochloride blocks the effects of opioids by competitive binding (i.e., analogous tocompetitive inhibition of enzymes) at opioid naltrexone side effects receptors. Alcohol- and opioid-dependent patients, including those taking naltrexone hydrochloride, should bemonitored for the development of depression or suicidal thinking. In these studies, a total of 93 patients received naltrexone hydrochlorideat a dose of 50 mg once daily. Five of these patients discontinued naltrexone hydrochloride because ofnausea.

How Long Do Naltrexone Side Effects Last?

naltrexone side effects

LDN’s role in chronic pain management and fibromyalgia is gaining attention. Many patients have reported a significant reduction in symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. If side effects occur, dosage adjustment and titration are often recommended. According to Mayo Clinic, side effects are generally manageable and do not lead to discontinuation of treatment for most patients.

You can also have a bad reaction where you stop breathing if you take opioids to try to overcome the effects of this medicine. Should you feel the need to use opioids while on or after stopping naltrexone, contact your healthcare provider. People who are currently using prescription and/or illicit opioids, including buprenorphine, should not take naltrexone. If you take naltrexone while taking opioids, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may require you to go to the hospital.

I want mental health care.

If you suspect an allergic reaction, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Researchers synthesized naltrexone in 1963, and the FDA approved it in 1984 for treating opioid addiction. Additionally, clinicians use LDN off-label to treat conditions like fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. If you develop severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, yellowing skin, dark urine, or an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), seek immediate medical attention.

naltrexone side effects

naltrexone side effects

In addition to physical symptoms, some individuals may experience psychological side effects shortly after starting naltrexone. These can include increased anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disturbances such as trouble sleeping or insomnia. Anxiety levels may spike particularly during the initial month of treatment. There are numerous online forums and support groups where patients share their LDN experiences. These communities can be valuable, but remember, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Real-world accounts often provide insights that clinical drug addiction treatment studies may not.

Side Effects of Naltrexone: Why Are They Too Much for Some People?

When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. Patients who have an opioid addiction should talk to their doctor about the risks of naltrexone before starting treatment. Anyone at a risk of overdosing by trying to still get high while on naltrexone (which blocks the sensation) may not be well suited to this medication option. The efficacy of naltrexone hydrochloride as an aid to the treatment of alcoholism was tested inplacebo-controlled, outpatient, double blind trials. These studies used a dose of naltrexonehydrochloride 50 mg once daily for 12 weeks as an adjunct to social and psychotherapeutic methodswhen given under conditions that enhanced patient compliance.

Is Naltrexone Prescribed For Weight Loss?

Would you like more information about mental health or drug addiction? Starting medication-assisted treatment can be a powerful step towards recovery, but it’s natural to have concerns about how it may affect you. Naltrexone’s side effects vary from person to person, and understanding them can help you feel more prepared. There is limited research on Naltrexone’s safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The decision to use it should be based on weighing potential benefits against possible risks.

Our Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. Dr. Jolene Brighten NMD, FABNE, is an internationally acclaimed hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology.

How long do naltrexone side effects last?

Also, you may be more sensitive to lower doses of opioids after you stop taking this medication. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. It’s common to have questions about taking naltrexone for opioid use disorder or alcohol addiction. Find answers to frequently asked questions about potential side effects of naltrexone.

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