Naltrexone for Alcoholism

Naltrexone for alcoholism is a prescribed medication widely used in the UK. Naltrexone comes in three different forms:  in the form of tablets, injections and implants). It is prescribed to alcohol dependent people. People with drinking problems benefits from Naltrexone therapy.

Medication for alcohol dependency helps in reducing cravings, controlling or abstaining from drinking. The medication (Naltrexone) is an opioid receptor antagonist that primarily treats opioid dependence, and secondarily alcoholism.

Naltrexone has proven to be an effective treatment of addiction in the UK as well as in the USA and Europe. Used in conjunction with other medications, Naltrexone can greatly improve the outcomes for alcoholics and alcohol dependents.

Why is Naltrexone efficient help in treatment of alcoholism?

While the precise mechanism of action for Naltrexone’s effect is unknown, reports from successfully treated patients suggest three kinds of effects.

  1. Firstly, Naltrexone can reduce craving, which is the urge or desire to drink.
  2. Secondly, Naltrexone helps patients remain abstinent.
  3. Thirdly, Naltrexone can interfere with the tendency to want to drink more if a recovering patient slips and has a drink.
Naltrexone for alcoholism

Is Naltrexone sufficient to achieve the maximum results in alcohol dependency treatment?

No, it isn’t.  Naltrexone is only one component of a program of treatment for alcoholism in the UK. It also includes counseling. Help with associated psychological and social problems and participation in self-help groups is recommended. In both studies where Naltrexone was shown to be effective, it was combined with treatment from professional psychotherapists.

How long does it take for Naltrexone to start working?

Naltrexone’s effects on blocking opioids occurs an hour after taking the first dose. Findings to date suggest that the effects of Naltrexone in helping patients remain abstinent and avoid relapse to alcohol use also occur early.

Naltrexone chip for alcoholism uk.

When may Naltrexone for alcoholism be administrated?

Naltrexone for alcoholism should not be used with pregnant women. Neither with individuals with severe liver or kidney damage or with patients. Also with patients who cannot achieve abstinence for at least 3 days prior to initiating medications. Also, people who are dependent on opioid drugs, like heroin or morphine must stop their drug use at least 7 days prior to starting Naltrexone.

Does one need to get blood tests while I’m on Naltrexone? How often?

To ensure that Naltrexone for alcoholism treatment is safe, blood tests should be obtained prior to initial treatment. Following that, retesting generally occurs at monthly intervals for the first three months, with less frequent testing after that point.

More frequent testing may be requested depending on the health of your liver prior to beginning treatment. Blood tests are needed to make sure that liver function is adequate prior to taking Naltrexone. And to evaluate whether Naltrexone is having adverse effects on the liver.

Can one take other medications with Naltrexone?

The major active effect of Naltrexone is on opioid drugs. Opiate drugs are one class of drugs used primarily to treat pain. Some prescription cough preparations may contain opioids in small quantities. Therefore, Naltrexone will block the effect of normal doses of this type of drug. There are many non-narcotic pain relievers that can be used effectively while you are on Naltrexone. Otherwise, Naltrexone is likely to have little impact on other medications patients commonly used such as antibiotics, non-opioid analgesics (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and allergy medications.

You should inform your physician of whatever medication you are currently taking so that possible interactions can be evaluated. Because Naltrexone chip for alcoholism is broken down by the liver. Other medications that can affect liver function may affect the dose of Naltrexone .

Will I get sick If I drink while being on Naltrexone?

No, you won’t. Naltrexone may reduce the feeling of intoxication and the desire to drink more. However, it will not cause a severe physical response to drinking.

More questions about Naltrexone in alcohol dependency treatment? Contact us at ask@refindyourway.com.

Will I get sick If I suddenly stop with Naltrexone therapy?

Naltrexone does not cause physical dependence. Therefore, patient can stop taking it at any time without withdrawal symptoms. In addition, available findings regarding cessation do not show a “rebound” effect to resume alcohol use when Naltrexone for alcoholism uk is discontinued.

What Is the relationship of Naltrexone to alcoholism?

There is no contradiction between taking Naltrexone and participation in AA . Naltrexone is not addictive and does not produce any “high” or pleasant effects. It can contribute to achievement of an abstinence goal by reducing the craving or compulsion to drink. Particularly during early phases of recovery. It is most likely to be effective when the patient’s goal is to stop drinking altogether.

How long should I have Naltrexone implants?

If Naltrexone for alcoholism in the for of an implant is tolerated and the patient is successful in reducing or stopping drinking, the recommended initial course of treatment is 3 months. At that time the patient and clinical staff should evaluate the need for further treatment. The evaluation is done on the basis of degree of improvement, degree of continued concerns about relapse and level of improvement in areas of functioning other than alcohol use.

What will happen if a patient drinks alcohol while taking Naltrexone?

Naltrexone does not reduce the effects of alcohol that impair coordination and judgment. Chip may reduce the feeling of intoxication and the desire to drink more. However, it will not cause a severe physical response to drinking.