Naltrexone Treatment in Nashville, Tennessee

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When recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), several FDA-approved medications can be used during detox treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

There are also FDA-approved medications, like naltrexone, that can be used to help continue to reduce cravings and reduce the risk of relapse after detox is completed. Music City Detox offers naltrexone treatment in Nashville as part of our comprehensive and personalized OUD and AUD treatment plans.

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What Is Naltrexone and How Does It Work?

Naltrexone is a medication that helps reduce cravings for opioids and alcohol. It also blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol to reduce the risk of relapse. When taken as directed, naltrexone binds to opioid and endorphin receptors in the brain and central nervous system. These receptors are what cause the euphoric and pleasurable effects when using opioids or drinking alcohol. By blocking these receptors, individuals do not experience the desired effects. As a result, naltrexone is a deterrent to using opioids or drinking.

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USING NALTREXONE FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER

When naltrexone is used for opioid use disorder, it is crucial to wait seven to fourteen days before beginning the medication. The opioids must be flushed from the body first in order for naltrexone to be effective in blocking the opioid receptors. Naltrexone can be prescribed in tablet form, which is taken daily. It may also be prescribed as an injectable called Vivitrol, which is given monthly.

As naltrexone builds up in the body, it binds to the opioid receptors and prevents them from experiencing any of the pleasurable and euphoric effects. Since there is no “reward” for relapsing and using opioids, the drug helps reduce the risk of relapse. It will also help reduce cravings for opioids.

USING NALTREXONE FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Using naltrexone for alcohol use disorder requires being opioid-free and alcohol-free before starting the drug. Naltrexone blocks the receptors in the brain associated with pleasure and euphoria from the effects of alcohol. No matter how much someone drinks, they will not experience any pleasure or euphoric effects. Just like for OUD, since no pleasure is experienced, people are less likely to relapse. Naltrexone also helps reduce cravings for alcohol.

NALTREXONE SIDE EFFECTS

As with other FDA-approved medications used to treat OUD and AUD, there can be potential side effects when taking naltrexone, such as:

Headaches
Lack of energy
Joint and muscle aches and pain
Insomnia
Abdominal cramping and pain
Anxiety
Vomiting
Nausea
Dizziness

Some people never experience any side effects when taking naltrexone. Other people may only experience them initially for a short period. However, any side effects experienced should be reported to the healthcare professional who prescribed naltrexone as soon as possible.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR NALTREXONE TO WORK?

Naltrexone begins to work within an hour or two after taking it. However, the full effects of the medication take a few weeks with regular and consistent use. While 50 mg is the usual dosage prescribed when treating OUD and AUD, it is not uncommon to start with a 25 mg dosage for the first week. This is done to reduce the risk of potential side effects and allow the body to adjust to the medication before increasing to the 50 mg dosage.

WHAT IF I USE WHILE I’M ON NALTREXONE?

If you use opioids or drink alcohol while on naltrexone, you will not experience any of the euphoric and pleasurable effects you did previously. However, the effects of opioids and alcohol still occur. For example, with opioids, you can still feel drowsiness and experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation. With alcohol, your reaction times and cognitive functions will slow, and you can feel drowsiness.

Using opioids while on naltrexone can also increase the risk of accidental overdose. Since you will not feel the desired effects, it can be tempting to take a higher dose of opioids. Yet, no matter the dose, the effects will still not be experienced, but you could accidentally overdose in the process.

OTHER FORMS OF MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT

There are other forms of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drugs that can be used to treat OUD and AUD, including:

Methadone: Methadone is an opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids.
Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with OUD.
Suboxone: Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which also helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when treating opioid addiction.
Disulfiram: Disulfiram is used to treat AUD and will cause nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant effects should someone consume alcohol.
Acamprosate: Acamprosate is also used to treat AUD and helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

START NALTREXONE TREATMENT IN NASHVILLE TODAY

Taking the first step to get help for OUD or AUD can seem scary. However, you are not alone when you are ready to overcome opioid and alcohol addictions. At Music City Detox, our caring and compassionate team offers comprehensive opioid and alcohol detox programs customized to your unique needs, which can include naltrexone treatment.

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