Naltrexone is a med used in the treatment of opiate and prescription opioid addiction because it stops the activity of opiates. It is also used in the management of alcohol addiction as it appears to decrease the addict's desire to drink. Naltrexone comes in tablet form, or there is an extended-release injection that can be given once per every four weeks, however the injection can cost up to $1,100 per month.
The difference between Naltrexone and other meds used to treat opiate dependence is that unlike Methadone which is an agonist and is not unlike heroin, Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and blocks the effect of opioid drugs. An individual who has been off all opioid drugs for seven to ten days can begin taking Naltrexone, but they will have to remain off all other opioid drugs while taking the drug. This would include taking Methadone or similar maintenance therapy drugs, because of the fact that taking Naltrexone along with these types of drugs can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone is meant to be used along with a comprehensive Wales rehab program which would include compliance monitoring, counseling, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification.
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