logo
logo
AI Products 

Naltrexone in Your Body: How Long It Lasts and What to Expect

avatar
Michelle Mountbatten
Naltrexone in Your Body: How Long It Lasts and What to Expect

Naltrexone is a medication used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorder. It works by curbing cravings, thereby reducing the risk of relapse. Usually, it is used as part of a comprehensive treatment like medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it works by blocking the effects of opioids. For those who are struggling with AUD or OUD naltrexone, it helps prevent the euphoria associated with substances to prevent relapsing. Therefore, naltrexone is ideal for those who want to abstain after undergoing detox. In the case of alcohol use disorder, it reduces the craving for alcohol by affecting the brain's reward system. This makes drinking less pleasurable.


Naltrexone is just a treatment for OUD and OUD. Addiction to substances is not curable but it can be managed with the right medications, therapy, and support groups.

Forms of Naltrexone Determining to Stay in the Body

Naltrexone comes in two main forms that determine its stay in your body and how frequently you will need to take its dose. The amount of time naltrexone stays in your body depends on its form, and individual factors like metabolism, age, weight, etc.

Naltrexone Pill

Naltrexone is absorbed quickly when it is taken in the form of a pill. It takes effect within an hour. The half-life of the pill is about 4 to 11 hours. This means that by 4 to 11 hours, the active ingredients are reduced by half in the body. For the full elimination of naltrexone, 10 to 22 hours may be required depending on a person’s factors.

Injectable Naltrexone

The injectable form of naltrexone is designed for an extended release. This means that naltrexone is slowly released into the body over the course of a few days. The half-life of extended-release injections of naltrexone is 5 to 10 days. The effects are likely to last for 25 days. Then you may need another dose. Even after one injection, naltrexone can be detected in your system for several weeks.

What to Expect When Taking Naltrexone

Understanding the workings of naltrexone can give you an insight into what the experience will be like. Here’s what to expect during your naltrexone treatment, whether pill or injectable. 

How Naltrexone Affects Your Body

If you try to take opioids or alcohol after taking naltrexone, the effects will not be as pleasurable. They can even be worse, which will deter you from using substances. For opioids, the drug blocks the euphoric high, and for alcohol, it reduces the pleasure associated with drinking.


While naltrexone is not used during the initial detox session for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, many people have reported a significant reduction in cravings for alcohol or opioids. However, it may take a few days or weeks to experience naltrexone’s full effects.


Naltrexone does not cause mental or physical dependence. It also does not contain sedating properties, thereby allowing patients to continue with their normal daily activities. While it is usually well-tolerated, one should also be aware of its possible side effects.


Like most medications, naltrexone is also not free of certain side effects:


These side effects are typically mild and may lessen over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you feel like naltrexone is impairing your ability to function properly. Call your provider instantly.

Precautions for Naltrexone

Naltrexone needs to be taken only after your system is free of alcohol or opioids. This is why naltrexone is not usually given during detox. If opioids are still in your body when you take naltrexone, it can cause sudden very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. You need to be opioid and alcohol-free for at least a week before starting on naltrexone treatment.


Our liver is responsible for the metabolism of medications. People with liver disease or elevated liver enzymes should be cautious. Regular liver function tests may be recommended before starting naltrexone to ensure that this medication is safe for you.

How Long Will I Take Naltrexone?

The answer to this also depends on your doctor’s decisions. Some people may take naltrexone for a few weeks, while others may use it for months. Your recovery process will determine how long it will take for you to stay on naltrexone.

Can I Stop Taking Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is not addictive. Therefore, while the abrupt cessation of the medication will not cause any withdrawal, it is not good to stop medications without the consultation of your doctor. This is because cravings for opioids may return. This runs the risk of relapse. To prevent relapse, contact your doctor and let them decide if you are ready to stop naltrexone. This is particularly important if you are in the early stages of addiction recovery. 

Takeaway

If you’re considering naltrexone as part of your treatment plan, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider. You can share your concerns if you are on a different medication and want to start this one. Be mindful that naltrexone is also a prescription medication. Therefore, you will need to have a prescription to acquire it from a pharmacy. With the right support, naltrexone can play an important role in helping you stay on the path to recovery.


collect
0
avatar
Michelle Mountbatten
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more