What is Naltrexone and how can it save lives?
Naltrexone is a medication that blocks opioid receptors. It works as an oral tablet. It can also work as an injection. Naltrexone can reduce drug and alcohol cravings for many people. It can reduce cravings for opioids, opiates and alcohol and, along with counseling and support, it can help prevent further use. It is important to know that after naltrexone wears off or is stopped, your tolerance to opioids is lower than it was, so going back to opioid use carries a higher risk of fatal overdose.
Can I use Naltrexone on my own to quit drugs?
No, it is important that you do not take this drug without medical supervision. If you take Naltrexone too soon after using drugs, it can make you very sick. If you use drugs such as heroin, pain pills or other opioids or opiates, you should see a doctor to see if this life saving opioid blocker can help.
So, Naltrexone also helps with alcohol cravings?
Yes, it does help with alcoholism as well. If you have quit alcohol and relapsed, you should talk to a doctor about naltrexone. It can help you to stay sober.
What is the name of the shot and how does it work?
Vivitrol is the brand name for the naltrexone shot. Vivitrol is given as an injection once a month. Family members and loved ones may find it reassuring, knowing that you are getting a Vivitrol shot each month.
If I am not taking heroin or pain pills anymore, can I start Vivitrol right away?
If you just quit a few days ago, you are going to have to wait. It takes time for heroin and other drugs to fully clear your system. It is usually at least seven to ten days after the last use of short-acting opioids such as heroin or pain pills, and longer, up to about two weeks, if you are coming off buprenorphine or methadone, before you can safely get a Vivitrol shot without getting sick. Your prescribing doctor will determine the right waiting time for you. And, when you first start, your doctor may have you take the tablet form first to make sure that you don’t get sick. After a period of time, you will be ready to transition to the monthly Vivitrol shot.
If I am a member of Narcotics Anonymous and I get Vivitrol injections, am I clean?
Yes. There is no doubt about it. If you do not take other drugs and you only take Naltrexone, you are definitely clean. It is not at all mood or mind altering. No one gets high from it. Not even a little bit. If you take Naltrexone tablets or the Vivitrol shot and no other drugs, you are clean.
How long can I safely take Naltrexone?
There is no limit to how long you can take it. The important thing is that you see your doctor on a regular basis for reevaluation.
In conclusion, this is an excellent medication that a doctor can prescribe to help you if you have had difficulty in staying clean and sober. If you have used opioids or opiates such as heroin or pain pills, Naltrexone can help. If you have trouble staying away from alcohol, it can also help.
This article is educational. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Decisions about starting, continuing, or tapering any medication should be made with your own physician.
