A few opioid-based meds can be habit-forming. Long-term use of such drugs can lead to addiction. Thankfully, a few measures are available to prevent these cravings. A commonly used measure is the use of meds to treat spells of addiction or substance abuse. Meds often form part of a holistic treatment plan. These de-addiction plans include continued monitoring, counsel programs, changes made to lifestyle, and intake of meds. Naltrexone is a commonly used med. But, what are the things one needs to stay away from when taking naltrexone? It is a vital thing to have more details.
Naltrexone
Opiates are drugs that can cause addiction among users. Once it turns into a habit, a set of concerted efforts is needed to help you come out of it. You may be advised to change your daily habits, and diet plan; you may also need counseling support coupled with a closer watch on your activities. Of the various types of opiates, drugs such as methadone are more likely to cause intensive spells of addiction among users.
What is naltrexone?
Meds belonging to a category called opiate antagonists are widely administered to treat people who are addicted to opioids. Naltrexone is a popular generic medication prescribed for this purpose. Key ingredients present in this med are known to work on your brain and central nervous system. Their main function is to inhibit the effects of opiates in your system. The most typical signs include relief from pains, a sense of euphoria or well-being (both physical and mental wellness), etc. Naltrexone can also reduce your desire (cravings) to take opiates or opioid-based meds.
You are advised to talk to your treating doctor naltrexone can be used for treating an overdose of opioids or opiates. It is important to make your family know the signs of an overdose and the first-aid measures they need to take.
As an extended use, naltrexone is also taken for treating habitual abuse / chronic dependencies on alcohol. Active chemicals present in this med can help addicts limit the use of alcohol or completely stop drinking. However, to effectively stop alcohol abuse you may also need advice from a support group(s), and changes made to your lifestyle – i.e., apart from using naltrexone.
What are the items to be avoided while using naltrexone?
This drug is never administered if you are still living with withdrawal symptoms caused by a long term intake of opioids. Your caregiving team will check for such signs for at least 10 – 12 days prior to starting the medication plan. In other words, this med is never given if there is a dependence on opioids.
The items that are to be avoided while taking naltrexone are: alcohol, depressants of the central nervous system (CNS) – say, tranquilising meds, sedative drugs, etc. If your treatment plan has one or another form of opioid, you need to avoid such drugs; in this light, beware of opioid-containing meds like tramadol, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc. You are advised not to use drugs like heroin, morphine or any other illicit versions of opioids.
Those who try taking smaller doses of an opioid (through the self-administered route) while taking naltrexone may not get a “high” or a sense of euphoria. This is mainly because this opiate antagonist prevents the sedative and euphoric effects of opiates. But, intake of a larger dose/overdose of an opioid (while on naltrexone) may cause near-fatal or fatal consequences. But, you never know how sensitive your system is; at times, a smaller dosage of an opioid may cause severe side effects.
Last but not least, it is highly recommended to tell your doctor of the drugs you are taking presently. If you are taking any opioid-based painkillers or any narcotic-based analgesics, your caregiver must know of such drugs. Also, if you are allergic or hypersensitive to PLG i.e., polylactide – co-glycolide, tell your physician of it. As a safety measure, your doctor may advise naloxone / naltrexone-challenge tests and/or urine test to check for traces of opioids in your system.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
