Naltrexone

What is it?

Composition

Naltrexone is available in tablet and injection form. The main active ingredient in the drug is naltrexone hydrochloride. It provides the main therapeutic effect. In addition to the active substance, the drug also contains auxiliary components that help stabilize the formula and ensure proper absorption in the body.

Excipients may include:

• Lactose - to improve the texture of the tablet and its stability.
• Microcrystalline cellulose - to create the structure of the tablet.
• Crospovidone - to ensure rapid disintegration of the tablet after swallowing.
• Magnesium stearate - to prevent the components from sticking together and to ensure a smooth surface of the tablet.

Each component is carefully selected to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety of the drug.

How to use?

Naltrexone should be used under the supervision of a doctor, as improper use may result in decreased effectiveness of the treatment or side effects. The medication is usually taken daily as a tablet or once a month as an injection.

The following instructions are recommended for taking the tablets:

1. Take the medication as directed by your doctor, usually 50 mg once a day.
2. The tablet should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. It is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain a stable level of the drug in the body.
3. It is important not to skip doses or change the dosage without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is close to the time of your next dose, you can skip the missed dose.

How does it work?

Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are usually activated when taking opioid drugs, causing a feeling of euphoria and pain relief. When a person takes Naltrexone, the active substances in the drug bind to these receptors, preventing the effects of opioids and blocking their action.

This mechanism helps reduce cravings for opioids and alcohol, since the patient no longer gets a pleasant sensation from using them. In addition, Naltrexone helps prevent relapses, since when trying to use opioids, a person does not experience the expected effect, which reduces the motivation to use. Thus, the drug helps maintain sobriety and long-term withdrawal from addiction.

Indications

Naltrexone is used to treat and maintain remission in opioid and alcohol addiction. It is used as part of a comprehensive treatment that includes behavioral support and counseling. The drug is especially effective for people who have already completed the detoxification phase and are seeking to maintain sobriety.

The main indications for prescribing Naltrexone include:

• Maintaining sobriety in patients with opioid addiction who have completed detoxification.
• Treating alcohol addiction to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
• Preventing relapse in patients in recovery from addiction.

The drug should be prescribed by a physician after a thorough assessment of the patients condition to ensure that Naltrexone treatment will be as effective and safe as possible.

Contraindications

Naltrexone has a number of contraindications that need to be considered before starting treatment. This is because the drug can interact with certain conditions and cause unwanted effects. The main contraindications are conditions in which the use of Naltrexone may be unsafe.

Contraindications include:

• Acute liver failure or severe liver disease, as Naltrexone is metabolized in the liver and can worsen its condition.
• Active opioid addiction. Patients should undergo detoxification before starting treatment, as Naltrexone may cause acute withdrawal symptoms.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless the physician assesses that the benefits of use outweigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant.
• Hypersensitivity to naltrexone or any of the excipients of the drug.

Side effects

Although Naltrexone is generally well tolerated by most patients, like any other drug, it can cause side effects. Most often, these appear at the beginning of treatment and may disappear as the body adapts. However, it is important to be aware of possible reactions in order to promptly contact a doctor if necessary.

The most common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting, especially in the first days of treatment.
• Headaches, which can vary in intensity.
• Drowsiness or fatigue, which can affect daily activities.
• Muscle or joint pain, sometimes associated with general weakness.
• Dry mouth or changes in appetite.

If side effects become pronounced or continue for a long time, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In rare cases, more serious reactions are possible, such as liver problems, which require immediate medical attention.