Naltrexone

What is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication which can help people who have detoxed from opioid drugs by stopping them from relapsing. It is also used in the treatment of alcohol dependence to support abstinence. Naltrexone works by balancing the levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, which have been disturbed by the heavy use of alcohol and opioid drugs.

Taking naltrexone

Naltrexone comes as a 50mg tablet which you swallow with water. You should take 25mg on the first day of your prescription, then 50mg each day after that.

You should only start taking naltrexone once your system is completely free of opioids. You will need to be opiate-free for at least 3 – 4 days after taking buprenorphine, 7 days after heroin or 14 days after methadone.

If you’re taking naltrexone for alcohol dependence, you might have already stopped drinking completely or you might be in the process of giving it up. In either case, if you’re still drinking 4-6 weeks after starting on naltrexone, you should stop taking the medication.

How long will it take to work?

Naltrexone works within minutes which means it can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms if you’re not opioid-free. It reaches its peak level in the body after 1 hour. The effects can last for up to 48 hours.

There is no standard treatment length. It will depend on your individual needs, but treatment should be for at least 3 months for both opioid and alcohol dependence.

Who prescribes naltrexone and when?

One of our recovery workers and someone from our clinical team will give you a full health and wellbeing assessment. If the assessment shows that naltrexone could be good for you, we’ll prescribe it. You will need to have a blood test to check how your liver is working and a urine screen or other test to show you are free of opioids before we can prescribe you naltrexone.

If you’re on an ongoing prescription, this will be looked after by either your local service or your doctor.

Why choose naltrexone?

Naltrexone can help you if you have detoxed from opiates and feel you may be at risk of relapse. Naltrexone shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone treatment without any other support. It’s most effective as one part of a programme to help you stay abstinent and prevent a relapse. Naltrexone can help you if you are suffering with cravings after stopping alcohol use, which may continue for many months. Cravings for alcohol can cause a relapse. Naltrexone has been shown to reduce the likelihood of relapsing.

Other notes about taking naltrexone

• Naltrexone is more effective when used in combination with a package of support and counselling.
• If you stop taking naltrexone and start using heroin again, there is a high risk of overdose.
• Naltrexone will block the effects of opioid-based analgesia.
• Carry your naltrexone card with you and inform any health professional caring for you that you take naltrexone.
• You should refrain from drinking alcohol or using drugs during your treatment.
• Naltrexone works by blocking the effects of opioids. If you take larger amounts of opioids to try and overcome the blocking effect, it could cause a dangerous overdose.
• All drugs must be kept out of reach of children and animals. Please ask your worker for a lockable box to store your medication (free of charge). Children should never be given your medication. Always call 999 if you think a child has swallowed your medication. Talk to your Health Visitor or GP if your child has difficulty sleeping or being soothed.
• Read the information leaflet which will be given with your medication.