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Naltrexone (nal-TREK-zone) is used to help narcotic addicts who have stopped taking narcotics to stay drug-free. It is also used to help alcoholics stay alcohol-free. The medicine is not a cure for addiction. It is used as part of an overall program that may include counseling, attending support group meetings, and other treatment recommended by your doctor. Naltrexone is not a narcotic. It works by blocking the effects of narcotics, especially the ``high'' feeling that makes you want to use them. It also may block the ``high'' feeling that may make you want to use alcohol. It will not produce any narcotic-like effects or cause mental or physical dependence. It will not prevent you from becoming impaired while drinking alcohol. Naltrexone will cause withdrawal symptoms in people who are physically dependent on narcotics. Therefore, Naltrexone treatment is started after you are no longer dependent on narcotics. The length of time this takes may depend on which narcotic you took, the amount you took, and how long you took it. Before you start taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor if you think you are still having withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada) Naltrexone is used to help people who have a narcotic or alcohol addiction stay drug free. Naltrexone is used after the patient has stopped taking drugs or alcohol. It works by blocking the effects of narcotics or by decreasing the craving for alcohol. Naltrexone is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Naltrexone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Naltrexone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Naltrexone helps decrease the craving for narcotics or alcohol but does not treat addiction. It is important that you attend all counseling, support group meetings, and other treatments prescribed by your doctor. Take Naltrexone regularly. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor. If, in the past 7-10 days, you have taken opioids (morphine, codeine, or others; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information), tell your doctor before taking the first dose of Naltrexone. Naltrexone will cause withdrawal if you have opioids in your blood. Your doctor may perform a challenge test before you begin taking Naltrexone. A small dose of naloxone (a drug similar to Naltrexone) will be injected into your vein or under your skin, and you will be watched for symptoms of drug withdrawal. If you have symptoms, you will need to wait a few days before beginning Naltrexone. You should take Naltrexone as directed by your physician. If you take heroin or any other opioid in small doses, you will not perceive any effect. Do not take large doses of heroin or any other narcotic; you may die or sustain serious injury, including coma. Brand names: - Naltrexone - ReVia |