You may be wondering what medications are used in the treatment of substance use disorders, their side effects, and how effective they are. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a crucial role in the continuum of services provided for addiction recovery. MAT is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. MAT addresses the physical symptoms one experiences when one stops using alcohol or drugs and works to reestablish normal brain function, reduce cravings, and promote long-term recovery.
What’s stronger, Suboxone or Naltrexone?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, both Suboxone and Naltrexone are equally effective in treating opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. However, they differ in some ways:
Suboxone is classified as an opioid antagonist, and it’s a combination of two drugs – buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a synthetic opiate and is classified as a partial opioid agonist. It activates opioid receptors in the body and tricks the brain into thinking that it’s receiving an opioid. In response, the second ingredient, naloxone, blocks the receptors’ activation, reversing the euphoric effects and reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms. However, Suboxone is physically addictive, and you’ll need to taper off this medication to limit its withdrawal effects.
Naltrexone is classified as a “pure” opioid antagonist, and it’s typically administered in an extended-release injection once a month. Naltrexone binds and blocks opioid receptors in the brain to reduce and suppress cravings during recovery. Naltrexone is non-habit forming, and it doesn’t cause physical or psychological dependence. Vivitrol, the brand name for extended-release naltrexone, can be just as effective as Suboxone, and you can stop this medication without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.
Can you take Naltrexone and Suboxone together?
No. Using Naltrexone together with Suboxone isn’t recommended due to Suboxone’s active ingredient, buprenorphine. Naltrexone can block the effects of buprenorphine and make the medication less effective.
What is the success rate of naltrexone?
The use of naltrexone has proven to be highly successful when it’s combined with a medically supervised treatment recovery program that includes counseling, alternative therapies, support groups, and a nurturing network of family members and friends.
What cannot be taken with naltrexone?
People using Naltrexone should not:
- Use any opioids or narcotics
- Take illegal or recreational drugs
- Drink alcohol
- Take sedatives or tranquilizers
What happens if you take opioids while on naltrexone?
Taking opioids with naltrexone is extremely dangerous, and it increases your risk of overdose, coma, or death.
How long do most people stay on naltrexone?
Most people take naltrexone for three to four months. However, the duration of your treatment depends on many factors, and you and your doctor make this decision.
Why do I feel weird on naltrexone?
Naltrexone may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than normal. These side effects usually go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
Can I have caffeine with naltrexone?
Yes. There are no reported interactions between caffeine and naltrexone.
Is naltrexone hard on the body?
Most people tolerate naltrexone well. Some may experience side effects, but they’re typically not severe and usually go away after a few days.
Some common ones include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Sleep problems or fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
Does naltrexone have a calming effect?
Naltrexone works by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors to minimize the euphoric effects of drugs or alcohol. This effect can impact overall mood, and some people may have subdued responses to pleasurable experiences.
Does naltrexone suppress appetite?
Some studies show that people eat less while taking this medication. This may be related to naltrexone’s impact on opioid receptors, which transmit endorphins and elicit pleasure. This medication may reduce the level of joy some people experience when eating, resulting in appetite suppression.
What is the daily limit for naltrexone?
Depending on many factors, including age, weight, general health, and lifestyle, your doctor could advise two daily, divided doses in pill form or one extended-release injection per month.
Can naltrexone cause anger issues?
This medicine typically doesn’t trigger anger issues. However, it may cause some individuals to be anxious, agitated, or irritable due to its effects on the body’s opioid receptors.
Do you build up a tolerance to naltrexone?
Developing a tolerance to naltrexone’s effects doesn’t appear to occur, and it doesn’t cause physical or psychological dependence.
How hard is naltrexone on the liver?
Naltrexone usually doesn’t cause liver problems when taken in recommended doses. In rare cases, it may cause liver damage; however, this typically doesn’t occur unless there’s a history of poor liver function or liver disease.
Is naltrexone hard on the kidneys?
If your kidneys are healthy, this medication typically doesn’t cause damage to them. However, if you have a current or pre-existing condition, such as chronic kidney disease, you may be at higher risk of naltrexone’s side effects.
Does naltrexone cause hair loss?
In rare cases, naltrexone can cause hair thinning or loss, but most people report no concerns.
Overcome Drug Dependence and Addiction at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry
At Fifth Avenue Psychiatry, we provide evidence-based therapy for addiction treatment in a private and confidential space without disrupting our clients’ professional lives. We are a team of highly trained psychologists and psychiatrists who are committed to providing the highest quality of care.
Call us today, and we will design a personalized program just for you.
