Naltrexone is a medication used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. This article clarifies naltrexone’s interaction with alcohol, addressing common concerns and providing important safety information for informed treatment decisions.
What Naltrexone Is and How It Works
Naltrexone, available under brand names such as Vivitrol and ReVia, is a medication approved for treating both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). It functions as an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. This action is significant because alcohol consumption triggers the release of natural opioids (endorphins) in the body, which then bind to these receptors, contributing to feelings of pleasure and reward.
By blocking these receptors, naltrexone reduces the pleasurable and rewarding effects that alcohol produces. This can help to decrease cravings for alcohol and reduce the motivation to drink heavily. A common misconception is that naltrexone will make a person feel sick if they drink alcohol, similar to other medications like disulfiram; however, naltrexone does not cause such an aversive reaction. Its role is to diminish the reinforcing effects of alcohol, not to induce sickness.
Drinking Alcohol While Taking Naltrexone
Naltrexone does not prevent intoxication or the physical effects of alcohol. This means that while the rewarding “buzz” from alcohol may be diminished, individuals can still experience impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, and poor judgment if they consume alcohol. It is important to understand that taking naltrexone does not make drinking “safe” in terms of physical harm or impairment.
Drinking heavily while on naltrexone carries risks. Excessive drinking can undermine the medication’s effectiveness for alcohol use disorder. Both alcohol and naltrexone are processed by the liver; combining them, especially with pre-existing liver conditions, could increase liver strain. Excessive alcohol intake is a significant risk factor for liver problems. Because naltrexone reduces alcohol’s pleasurable effects, some individuals might drink more to achieve a desired feeling, potentially increasing their risk of alcohol poisoning.
Safety Advice and When to Seek Help
Individuals prescribed naltrexone should consistently follow their doctor’s instructions. Open communication with healthcare providers about alcohol consumption is important for effective treatment and safety. Naltrexone is often part of a broader treatment plan that includes counseling and support, which can further enhance its effectiveness.
Common side effects of naltrexone are generally mild and may include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects often subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
Signs of Liver Issues
Signs of liver issues include unusual weakness or fatigue, dark urine, light-colored stools, persistent upper right stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Contact your doctor promptly if these occur.
Other Serious Symptoms
Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or thoughts of self-harm, require immediate medical help.