Naltrexone

Uses of Naltrexone 50 mg Tablet

Naltrexone 50 mg tablet is used along with counseling and social support in the treatment of alcohol addiction and for the management of opioid addiction. This tablet is used to help avoid the usage of drugs and alcohol, but it will not prevent/ relieve the withdrawal symptoms that may occur after stopping the use of drugs and alcohol. It is thus used as maintenance therapy for abstinence from alcohol or opioids during addiction withdrawal.

What is Naltrexone?

Tablets belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids. It works to prevent the effects of opium in the brain (e.g. feeling healthy, relieving pain). It also reduces the urge to take opium. This drug is also used for alcohol abuse.

How does Naltrexone work?

Tablets/bupropion produces clinically significant weight loss when combined with a diet and exercise program. It decreases body weight in patients with diabetes, but its effect on diabetic outcomes is not known. A significant proportion of patients will experience adverse effects.
When taken in smaller doses, low dose has been shown to lessen the effects of a variety of diseases and help modulate and reduce appetite. Patients use Low dose today to reduce binge eating episodes, normalize appetite, and lose stubborn fat quickly.

What is naltrexone 50 mg tablet used for?

This tablets HCl oral is a special narcotic medication that arrests the effects of other substances and alcohol. It is available under different trade names in different nations, some of which are Revia and Nodict (made by Sun Pharmaceuticals India). Naltrexone HCl is prescribed primarily for fighting drug or alcohol addiction in people who have been addicted to alcohol and but are not taking it at present. It may also be used for other treatments not mentioned above.

Important Information about Naltrexone HCl

Naltrexone HCl (Revia, Nodict) is to be used in combination with professional counseling or monitoring to treat alcohol and narcotic dependence fruitfully.

Avoid the consumption of alcohol and narcotic drugs while you are taking HCl medication. Don’t attempt to overcome the effects of this medication by having large amounts of alcohol and narcotic substance. This may result in catastrophic effects and can also cause coma and death. While taking Naltrexone HCl medication, consult your doctor before taking any medication for diarrhea, cold, cough, or pain as these medications may contain narcotic substances.

It may be recommended that Naltrexone HCl be given to you by someone in your family or another caretaker. The reason is to ensure that you are taking anti-addiction medicine properly as prescribed.

HCl can lead to side effects that may affect your thinking and reflexes capacity. Be extra careful and alert if you do an activity like driving that requires a high degree of mental awareness.

Try to carry an ID card or some kind of badge which displays that you are using HCl. This will be very important in case of an emergency. Any healthcare provider who treats you must know in advance that you are using this medication.

Before taking naltrexone tablet 50 mg

It’s always important to be aware of the possible side-effects of any medication before taking it. This includes a tablet 50 mg. If you’re planning to take it, it’s essential to drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet. In addition, be aware of the side-effects that can occur, such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Make sure to speak with your doctor if you have any questions about the medication. Finally, be prepared for the possible side-effects of naltrexone tablet 50 mg, and be sure to take all the precautions your doctor has advised.

How should I take Naltrexone HCl?

You should take HCl medication (Revia, Nodict) strictly as directed by your doctor. Don’t change the dosage under any situation unless or otherwise advised by your doctor otherwise you may experience dangerous effects of this medication. Take this medication regularly as prescribed to get the maximum benefit.

Take a HCl tablet with a glassful of water. Taking this medication with food will decrease the chances of stomach upset. Your doctor may advise that someone in your family or other caretaker give you the medication in order to ensure that you are taking HCl medication properly.

Always store HCl oral tablets in a cool and dry place, away from any kind of heat and moisture. Ensure that children or pets don’t have access to this medication.

What should I avoid while taking Naltrexone HCl?

Avoid the consumption of alcohol and narcotic drugs while you are taking HCl medication (Revia, Nodict). Don’t attempt to overcome the effects of this medication by having large amounts of alcohol and narcotic substance. This may result in catastrophic effects and can also cause coma and death. While taking HCl medication, consult your doctor before taking any medication for diarrhea, cold, cough, or pain as these medications may contain narcotic substances.

HCl can lead to side effects that may affect your thinking and reflexes capacity. Be extra careful and alert if you do an activity like driving that requires a high degree of mental awareness.

What if I miss a dose of Naltrexone?

If you miss a dose of HCl, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be dangerous.

What if I overdose on Naltrexone?

If you take an overdose of tablet and experience any serious conditions, seek emergency medical help or call the Doctor immediately. You may experience symptoms including dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, or seizure.

Side Effects of Naltrexone HCl

Get emergency medical attention if you witness some allergic reactions to HCl (Revia, Nodict) like skin hives, breathing difficulty, swelling in face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some other serious side effects of this medication are blurred vision or other vision problems; increased heart rate; mood and behavior changes; hallucinations; confusion; self hurting thoughts; ear pain or ringing in ears; rash or itching in the skin; breathing difficulty, wheezing. Stop using Naltrexone 50 mg tablet and call your doctor immediately for help.

Some less serious and more common side effects are weakness, tiredness, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, muscle or joint pain, decreased libido, impotence, or difficulty in having an orgasm.

These are not all-inclusive side effects which you may experience due to 50 mg tablet usage. There may be other side effects. Discuss the side effects with your doctor.

Naltrexone HCl Dosing Information

HCl dosage will be fixed by your doctor after examining you properly. The dosage depends on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Stick to your doctor’s prescription strictly.

Expert advice

Do not consume opioids (opioid-free) for a minimum of 7-10 days before starting naltrexone therapy. Your doctor may perform a  challenge test (a diagnosis for chronic opiate abuse) before starting the treatment with naltrexone.

Do not consume opioid derivatives while on naltrexone treatment.

50 mg tablet is not recommended in children.

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any medications for diarrhea, cough, pain, or disulfiram and thioridazine.

Do not drive or operate the machine as you may feel dizzy or tired.

Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Interactions between naltrexone (Vivitrol) and other medications

If you are taking any other medications, prescriptions, or over-the-counter, be sure to tell your doctor so he or she can help ensure safety and effectiveness.

has been shown to interact with some medications, including several types of antidepressants.

Some examples are:

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine may cause an increase in naltrexone levels in the body.
2. The medication cyproheptadine, which is used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness or pregnancy, can also cause increased levels of naltrexone.

Frequently asked questions for Naltrexone

Q. Is Naltrexone 50 mg tablet safe during pregnancy?

50 mg tablet should only be used if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the baby. Please follow your doctor’s advice regarding its use.

Q. Is it safe to use 50mg naltrexone during breastfeeding?

50mg should not be given during breastfeeding. Please follow your doctor’s advice regarding its use.

Q. Can you take naltrexone forever?

No, 50mg must be taken as long as prescribed by your doctor.

Q. Does naltrexone make you high/ sleepy?

No, does not make you high but, may rarely make you sleepy.

Q. Does naltrexone block alcohol?

Yes, blocks the action of alcohol and hence can be used to treat alcohol addiction.

Q. Does naltrexone help with pain/ for weight loss?

has no known effects on pain and is not indicated for weight loss.

Q. Does naltrexone help with opiate cravings?

Yes, helps reduce opiate cravings.

Q. Does naltrexone test positive for opiates?

No,  does not test positive for opiates.

Q. Can I take naltrexone daily & Is it safe?

Yes,is used to treat drug addiction, helping users avoid recurrence. It’s been prescribed for opioid dependence as well as alcohol dependence. It’s been effective in helping patients stay off heroin and alcohol.  50 mg tablets are provided by prescription only and are taken daily.