Naltrexone is a med used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid addiction because it stops the activity of opioids. It is also used in the treatment of alcohol dependence because it appears to decrease the user's desire to drink. Naltrexone can either be administered daily by tablet, or there is an extended-release injection that can be given once a month, however the injection can cost up to $1,100 a month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other drugs used to treat opiate addiction is that not like Methadone which is an agonist and has many of the same properties as heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and negates the effect of opioid meds. Someone who has been off all opioid medications for 7-10 days can begin treatment with Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid medications while taking the medication. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy meds, because of the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these types of medications can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone is meant to be used in conjunction with a full Newton rehab program which would include compliance monitoring, counseling, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification.
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