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Within 15 minutes of
taking naltrexone, I felt
relief. I realized the light
at the end of the tunnel
was not a freight train.
-ARCA Client

ARCA is licensed by
the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Some FAQs about naltrexone:
Q: What is naltrexone?
A: Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of drugs known as opioids (a class that includes morphine, heroin, and codeine).
It competes with these drugs for space on opioid receptors in the brain. It was originally used to treat dependence on opioid drugs but has also been approved by the FDA as treatment for alcohol dependence.
In clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of naltrexone, patients who received naltrexone were twice as successful in remaining abstinent and in avoiding relapse as patients who received placebo-an
inactive pill.

Q: Why does naltrexone help
for alcoholism?
A: While the precise mechanism of action for naltrexone is unknown, medical researchers believe that naltrexone blocks the ability of alcohol to stimulate the release of endorphins, while at the same time jump starting the normal production and release of endorphins, thus effectively suppressing the craving or thought process to drink.

Q: Does this mean that naltrexone will "sober me up"
if I drink?
A: No, naltrexone does not reduce the effects of alcohol that impair coordination and judgment. Impairment is caused by elevated blood sugar and naltrexone does not impact blood sugar levels. For example, a police officer is checking an individuals blood sugar level to see how impaired a person is and is not checking endorphin levels to how much they are enjoying the “high”.

Q: If I take naltrexone, does it mean that I don't need other treatment for alcoholism?
A:No, naltrexone is only one component of a program of treatment for alcohol dependence.
In a study from the University of South Carolina released in August of 2005, it states that treatment success is increased significantly when naltrexone is combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Q: How long does naltrexone take to work?
A: Naltrexone is effective within one hour of ingestion.

Q: Are there some people who should not take naltrexone?
A: Naltrexone should not be used by pregnant women, as studies have never been undertaken to demonstrate the safety of naltrexone in this situation. Also, people who are dependent on opioid drugs, like heroin or morphine, must stop their drug use at least 7 days prior to starting naltrexone.

Q: What does it feel like to be
on naltrexone?
A: Patients usually report that they are largely unaware of being on naltrexone. Naltrexone is not addicting, either emotionally or physically, and can be interrupted without adverse effects. While it does reduce alcohol craving, it does not interfere with the experience of other types of pleasure.

Q: What are the side effects
of naltrexone?
A: In the largest study, the most common side effect of naltrexone affected only a small minority of people and included the following: nausea (10%), headache (7%), dizziness (4%), fatigue (4%), insomnia (3%), anxiety (2%), and sleepiness (2%). These side effects were usually mild and of short duration. Blood tests of liver function can be performed prior to the onset of treatment if a physician feels that it is necessary. Liver function testing may be done periodically during treatment to determine whether naltrexone should be discontinued if the extremely rare side effect of liver toxicity is taking place.

Q: Can I take other medications with naltrexone?
A:The major active effect of naltrexone is on opioid drugs, which is one class of drugs used primarily to treat pain but is also found in some prescription cough preparations. Naltrexone will block the effect of normal doses of this type of drug. There are many non-narcotic pain relievers that can be used effectively while you are on naltrexone. Otherwise, naltrexone is likely to have little impact on other medications patients commonly use such as antibiotics, non-opioid analgesics (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and those commonly prescribed for allergies. You should inform your physician of whatever medication you are currently taking so that possible interactions can be evaluated. Because naltrexone is broken down by the liver, other medications that can affect liver function may affect the dose
of naltrexone.

Q: Will I get sick if I drink while on naltrexone and will I get sick if I stop naltrexone suddenly? A: No, naltrexone may reduce the feeling of intoxication and the desire to drink more, but it will not cause a severe physical response to drinking. Naltrexone does not cause physical dependence and can be stopped at any time without withdrawal symptoms. In addition, available findings regarding cessation do not show a "rebound" effect to resume alcohol use when naltrexone is discontinued.

Q: What should I do if I need an operation or pain medication?
A: You should carry a card explaining that you are on naltrexone and that also instructs physicians on pain management. Many pain medications that are not opioids are available for use. If you are going to have elective surgery, naltrexone should be discontinued at least 72 hours beforehand.

Q: How long should I stay on naltrexone?
A: If naltrexone is tolerated and the patient is successful in reducing or stopping drinking, the recommended initial course of treatment is 180 days. At that time the patient and clinical staff should evaluate the need for further treatment with naltrexone. This evaluation takes into account how much the patient has improved and concerns about relapse.