Have you ever wondered what is naltrexone? Naltrexone is a drug that doctors are using it as a part of medication-assisted treatment. It is usable for addicts that are recovering from alcoholism or addiction to opioids (heroin, morphine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone).
This medicament blocks the effects of alcohol and opioids and in that way helps with pain and negative feelings. Naltrexone is usable for treating opioid and alcohol dependence. This medicine can help keep an addict from feeling a “need” or urge to use the opioid or alcohol. Also, this medicine may help to drink less or to stop drinking completely. It is not a cure for addiction but may help in getting better.
History of naltrexone
Clinical analyses on the drug were conducted from February 2002 to September 2003 with 899 people. The results indicated a 25 percent drop in heavy drinking as well as a 17 percent drop in heavy drinking. Researchers reported that the drug was well tolerated and effective during the six months of treatment.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, almost every opioid user also regularly drink alcohol. Naltrexone is a drug that offers great potential for healing both addictions at the same time. Researchers expressed their pleasure at the test results and the possible ramifications for several populations, including those coming through the criminal justice system who were working to become stable members of the community.
Now, naltrexone comes as a medicine, and also may be taken as an injection. Furthermore, the naltrexone implant, which is surgically inserted into a person, releases a continuous dose of the medication. In that way, it eliminates the problem of missing doses. In like manner, an addict has to get a new implant every few months.
What is naltrexone – When it can be used?
Naltrexone, an effective drug in addiction treatment, blocks the euphoria that is associated with opioids and alcohol to discourage people from abusing them. It is a prescription drug and only doctors may give the right dose.
Naltrexone is a medicine that is usable for:
- Helping people who have withdrawal symptoms from opioids such as heroin
- A treatment during rapid withdrawal from opioids
- People with alcohol addiction
- Reducing the craving for alcohol
- Reducing the “reward” effect
- Helps patients to remain abstinent
- Blocking the intoxicating effects
- Restoring brain chemistry to normal levels
- Restoring the body’s normal functioning in the absence of the abused drug
It is important to know that an addict should not use naltrexone if he is having opioid or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Also, if he has taken any opioid medicine within the past two weeks.
What to avoid while using this medicine?
Like any other medicine, this drug also comes with instructions. An addict has to be very careful while using it because it can cause many problems if it is not used properly. If an addict does not follow the doctor’s instructions, that mistake could result in dangerous effects, including coma and death.
There are some rules that an addict has to follow:
- Do not use narcotic medication, heroin, or other street drugs
- Never try to overcome the effects of naltrexone by taking large doses of opioids
- Do not drink alcohol
- Consult the doctor before using any medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain
- Be careful if you drive
Also, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using naltrexone, and, before taking any other action while consuming this medicine.
Naltrexone is a very safe medicine if an addict takes it exactly as doctor prescribed it. It is not possible to develop an addiction to this drug.
This medicine is a great solution for treating physical and psychological addiction and doctors in Dr Vorobjev clinic are using it in order to help their patients. It is possible to deal with alcohol and opioid addiction and we know that we can help. Contact us and start living a normal life again as soon as possible.
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