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Like most treatment medications, Naltrexone is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Although Naltrexone is not known to interact adversely with alcohol, it should only be prescribed after the patient has already ceased use entirely and completed the detox process. Because of certain side effects, Naltrexone should http://auto-dom.org/portativnie-pleeri/deso-tf-dvd7380e.html only be prescribed after the physician is sure that the patient’s liver is functioning properly and the patient is not pregnant. Individuals who are dependent on alcohol often suffer from negative side effects such as physical dependence, anxiety, depression, confusion, organ damage, strained relationships and difficulty meeting major responsibilities.
In some cases, especially in-patient rehabilitation settings, Naltrexone is prescribed for a short period of time. However, research suggests that long-term use for more than 3 months is the most effective for keeping alcoholics in recovery. Naltrexone is considered a comparatively safe medication, and treatment may be indefinite. Antabuse is not available OTC and requires a prescription from a doctor.
Symptoms and Causes
Although the exact mechanism is not entirely understood, the brain interacts with alcohol in a very similar manner to how it reacts with Opioids; Naltrexone also suppresses the euphoria and pleasurable sensations of alcohol. Alcoholics no longer receive a “reward” for drinking once they are on Naltrexone and are therefore less likely to continue consumption. Also used to treat Opioid addiction, Naltrexone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcoholism. Naltrexone has been effectively treating alcohol use disorders for more than 20 years.
The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. The best choices for prevention of relapse are acamprosate and naltrexone with concurrent counseling through professional or self-help programs. Family physicians also may consider the use of an SSRI in the presence of a comorbid mood disorder.
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It usually includes several different kinds of behavioral therapies. It may also include medicines for detox (medical treatment for alcohol withdrawal) and/or for treating the AUD. Naltrexone, which blocks endorphins and reduces the euphoria http://dive-tek.ru/archiv/2008/1/62-65.html of intoxication, was approved in the United States for the treatment of alcohol dependence nearly 30 years ago. But it is typically prescribed for patients with more severe alcohol disorders to take daily to abstain from drinking.
A single Naltrexone tablet is generally taken once a day, either with or without food. It may also be taken once every other day, once every third day, or once every day except Sunday (or other designated day of the week). If a patient forgets to take a dose and it is not close to the time when the next dose is taken, they should take the dose as soon as possible. Patients should not double up to make up for a missed dose, however.
