{"id":38750,"date":"2021-08-03T16:04:10","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T20:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=38750"},"modified":"2026-03-23T13:59:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T17:59:19","slug":"naltrexone-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/naltrexone-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Naltrexone side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Common naltrexone side effects<\/a> | Nausea<\/a> | Fatigue<\/a> | Loss of appetite<\/a> | Serious side effects<\/a> | Liver damage<\/a> | How long do side effects last?<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | Interactions<\/a> | How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Naltrexone is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol dependence, and opioid addiction. Naltrexone and its active metabolite, naltrexol, are opioid antagonists. They competitively bind opioid receptors, reversibly blocking or reducing the effects of opioids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this manner, naltrexone is used for what is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), where medicines are used to assist with treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Naltrexone is sometimes preferred over methadone and buprenorphine as its use and availability are not as restricted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that medication in isolation is not recommended when treating any type of substance use disorder. Comprehensive treatment programs for any type of substance use disorder should involve counseling, support groups, or other behavioral health therapies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Naltrexone is sometimes used as part of a treatment regimen for compulsive behaviors, dissociative disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and sexual addiction. <\/span>Naltrexone has also <\/span>demonstrated a reduction<\/span><\/a> in bingeing and purging behavior in adolescents and adults with eating disorders. It may be prescribed in combination with bupropion under the brand name <\/span>Contrave<\/span><\/a> for those who require significant weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Naltrexone is not an over-the-counter medication. It is a prescription drug and must be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span>The brands ReVia and Depade (naltrexone hydrochloride) have been discontinued in the United States; however, generic\u00a0naltrexone HCl<\/a>\u00a0tablets and\u00a0Vivitrol<\/a> ( extended-release injectable suspension administered monthly) are available.<\/p>\n

This article will discuss some of the side effects, warnings, and interactions associated with naltrexone use as well as how to avoid them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Free naltrexone coupons<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Common side effects of naltrexone<\/span><\/h2>\n

As with any medication, naltrexone use is associated with some common, non-serious side effects. Most side effects associated with naltrexone use are mild and self-limiting. If any of the <\/span>following adverse effects<\/span><\/a> become bothersome, notify your healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n