Addiction to drugs like alcohol or heroin is a very difficult battle that a person fights alone. Trying to get rid of this journey requires a lot of physical and mental strength. So there are medical methods that can help you and strengthen you in this difficult journey. One such powerful helper is the drug Naltrexone. In this article, we will talk about how this injection can help you get rid of addiction.
Simply put, what is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a medication used to treat addiction to certain drugs (especially opioids) and alcohol. It is most commonly known by the brand name Vivitrol.
The special thing about this is that Naltrexone is not a drug. That means it is not addictive. What it does is, when you drink alcohol or take drugs, it takes away the "pleasure" or "euphoria" that your brain gets from it. To be precise, this medicine closes the doors in the brain to drugs. Then, since you don't feel any 'high' from using those things, little by little the desire to use those things disappears.
The important thing is, this is not a magic bullet that works alone. It is just a very important support you will receive on your treatment journey. The best results are achieved when combined with counseling and other support services.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health condition. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell them about it.
- If you are currently using drugs: especially opioid painkillers or narcotics such as heroin, morphine, or tramadol. You must be completely free of opioids before starting this medication (at least 7-14 days). Otherwise, taking this medication may cause severe withdrawal symptoms (sudden withdrawal symptoms) that are very similar to those you experienced before.
- Liver diseases: If you have liver-related diseases like jaundice.
- Kidney disease: If there are problems with kidney function.
- Bleeding disorders: If you have a condition like hemophilia or low platelet count.
- Medications that prevent blood clotting: If you are using medications like Warfarin and Aspirin.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is something you should definitely tell your doctor about.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- Allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to Naltrexone, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
How do you use this medicine and what to do in an emergency?
This is not a medicine you can take home and use.
- This is an injection into a muscle (usually the buttock) .
- And it is only given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic . This injection is usually given once a month.
- If you are unable to get your injection on the scheduled day, be sure to call your doctor and let them know. It is not a good idea to skip this.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that something like this has happened to you, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine
The time you take this medicine is the beginning of a new chapter in your life, so be careful about these things.
1. Don't skip counseling: Be sure to attend any counseling or support groups your doctor recommends. While the injections help your body, counseling can help your mind. It is when these two go together that the results are successful.
2. Don't try to "beat the pill" (extremely dangerous!): Some people may try to use large amounts of opioids to counteract the effects of Naltrexone. This can be fatal. Since Naltrexone blocks the brain's receptors, taking too much can lead to respiratory arrest, coma, and even death. Never try this.
3. Inform before surgery: If you are having any surgery, be sure to inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking Naltrexone.
4. Medical ID: It is very important for safety to use a card or bracelet that states that you are taking this medication.
5. Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Therefore, stay away from hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how this affects you.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Naltrexone can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. Learn more about them in the table below.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Effects on the liver | Pain in the upper right abdomen, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and pale stools. |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe injection site reactions | Severe pain, blisters, hard lumps, an open wound, large swelling, and the formation of a hard black crust. |
| Mental changes | Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or other unusual mental changes. |
| Other serious symptoms | Symptoms such as unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme fatigue, vomiting, and fever. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and slight redness or swelling at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Naltrexone is a monthly intramuscular injection that treats alcohol and opioid addiction.
- This blocks the "pleasure" that comes from drugs, so the desire for those things decreases.
- You must have no opioids (such as heroin or tramadol) in your body before starting this medication.
- Never take high doses of this drug in an attempt to counteract the effects of the drug. It is fatal.
- For best results, be sure to attend counseling services along with the injection.
- If you experience symptoms of liver damage (yellowing of the eyes, dark urine), severe mental changes, or severe reactions at the injection site, notify your doctor immediately.
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