Brand name
- ReVia®
Drug Class
- Opioid antagonist
Preparations
- Tablets 10 and 20 mg
Indications
- Naltrexone is used to help people who have stopped drinking alcohol or using opioids to prevent relapse.
- Naltrexone should not be used to treat people who are still drinking large amounts of alcohol or still using opioids.
- Naltrexone does not prevent or relieve the withdrawal symptoms, instead, it may cause or worsen withdrawal symptoms.
- Clinical trials have found naltrexone superior to placebo in reducing risk of relapse and increasing abstention.
Pharmacology
- Naltrexone blocks endogenous opioid receptors, however it is not used for aversive therapy
Adverse Effects
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness or poor sleep
- Headache
- Changes in thinking clearly
- Stomach upset
- Nervousness
Contraindications
- Patients receiving opioid painkillers
- Individuals who are actively abusing opioids
- individuals with positive urine test for opioids
Section
This document is prepared by the “Mental Health for All” team. This document is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the Essentials of Medicine. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.