11
Naltrexone
• Naltrexone works by blocking opioids from acting on the
brain. This means that the patient won't get high from using
opioids while taking naltrexone. Naltrexone is a good option
for preventing relapse in patients who are no longer dependent
on opioids.
• Patients cannot have any opioids in their body when
starting naltrexone. If they do, it will quickly cause severe
withdrawal. Before a clinician starts a patient with an active
opioid addiction on naltrexone, the patient must go through
withdrawal under the clinician's supervision. This period
typically lasts 6–10 days.
• Naltrexone is given in an extended release form that is injected
in the buttocks. The injection is administered by the clinician
in the office once every 3–4 weeks.
• Naltrexone is also available as a pill, but this form is NOT
recommended when treating opioid addiction, except under
very limited circumstances.
• Many patients will need to continue taking naltrexone for an
extended period of time. Because naltrexone does not produce
physical dependence, it can be stopped abruptly without
withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping naltrexone can put
the patient at risk for relapse and overdose. This should only
be done with careful monitoring by the clinician.
