Starting naltrexone requires a detox period of 7 to 10 days opioid-free, which can be challenging. However, Suboxone’s opioid nature means it can cause sedation and has a potential for misuse. Therefore, naltrexone may be considered safer for long-term use, especially for those concerned about the risk of developing a new dependency.
Naltrexone oral tablet
The following sections will delve into the short-term physical and psychological side effects one might experience during the early stages of naltrexone treatment. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking naltrexone. To learn more about naltrexone’s possible use for chronic pain, drug addiction talk with your doctor. If anyone is showing signs of opioid overdose, it is important to administer naloxone immediately and call 911. Naltrexone injection will not prevent you from becoming impaired when you drink alcohol. Do not take naltrexone in order to drive or perform other activities while under the influence of alcohol.
Overdose/Missed Dose
Take this medicine only as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your healthcare provider ordered. This medicine is available only with your healthcare provider’s prescription.
The following list includes just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took naltrexone in clinical trials. These side effects vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat. Some individuals explore LDN as part of integrative medicine or complementary therapies. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. But always consult your healthcare provider before combining treatments.

Treatment Services & Modalities
The pill form is taken daily and the extended-release injectable is administered every four weeks, or once a month, by a practitioner. 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.
You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at FDA-1088. Many insurance plans cover Naltrexone treatment, including oral tablets and the Vivitrol injection, but coverage varies by provider and policy. Factors like medical necessity, prior authorization, and deductibles may affect costs.
Naltrexone Vs. Naloxone: What’s The Difference?
- Regular medical assessments and adjusting dosages as needed are key strategies.
- Some individuals explore LDN as part of integrative medicine or complementary therapies.
- In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.
- If you’re interested in naltrexone, complete our online assessment and Oar will connect you with a licensed medical professional who can determine whether a prescription is right for you.
- Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects naltrexone can cause.
People who have severe liver disease and moderate to severe kidney disease should also avoid naltrexone. Naltrexone is a long-term opioid antagonist that helps to manage OUDs and AUDs. Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist that is a life-saving medication administered during an opioid overdose to elicit immediate opioid withdrawal effects.
What about increasing the dose of naltrexone?
- Sunnyside Med offers access to compounded naltrexone (50mg + B6 5mg), paired with behavioral tools to help you reduce your drinking over time.
- They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking naltrexone.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
- Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.
- Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day.
- If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to naltrexone, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Seeking professional help ensures safe and effective recovery. As a prescription drug, Naltrexone requires careful consideration of these precautions to ensure naltrexone side effects safe use. Naltrexone supports recovery by reducing cravings and relapse risk. Welcome to California Prime Recovery blog, your premier addiction and mental health treatment center located in Orange County, CA. The risk of liver damage increases with large doses of Naltrexone and in those with a history of hepatitis or liver disease. During your naltrexone treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having.
Naltrexone Interactions: What You Should Know Before Starting Treatment

If you have muscle or joint pain during naltrexone treatment, talk with your doctor. They may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). They can also recommend other ways to help manage your symptoms. If you notice sleep changes during naltrexone treatment, talk with your doctor.
This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with naltrexone. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as naltrexone to treat certain conditions. Naltrexone oral tablet may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking naltrexone.
When starting naltrexone for AUD, patients must not be physically dependent on alcohol or other substances. To avoid strong side effects such as nausea and vomiting, practitioners typically wait until after the alcohol detox process before administering naltrexone. Learn more about some of the side effects that naltrexone oral tablet may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for naltrexone.
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. In some people, naltrexone appears to be a kappa agonist—that means it increases the effects of kappa, which means that it has unpleasant effects. Many patients report, when they take naltrexone, that they feel some kind of strange intoxication.
