Indications for Naltrexone®

For use in the treatment of alcohol dependence and for the blockade of the effects of exogenously administered opioids.

Naltrexone® comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Naltrexone® exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Naltrexone® helps decrease the craving for narcotics or alcohol but does not treat addiction. It is important that you attend all counseling, support group meetings, and other treatments prescribed by your doctor. Take Naltrexone® regularly. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.
If, in the past 7-10 days, you have taken opioids (morphine, codeine, or others; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information), tell your doctor before taking the first dose of Naltrexone®. Naltrexone® will cause withdrawal if you have opioids in your blood.

Your doctor may perform a challenge test before you begin taking Naltrexone®. A small dose of naloxone (a drug similar to Naltrexone®) will be injected into your vein or under your skin, and you will be watched for symptoms of drug withdrawal. If you have symptoms, you will need to wait a few days before beginning Naltrexone®.
You should take Naltrexone® as directed by your physician. If you take heroin or any other opioid in small doses, you will not perceive any effect. Do not take large doses of heroin or any other narcotic; you may die or sustain serious injury, including coma.