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Naltrexone

- Summary
- About naltrexone
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Steven A. King, M.D.
Tahir Tellioglu, M.D., APA, AAAP

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Drug or other interactions with naltrexone

Patients should consult their physician before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. Naltrexone must be used with caution with certain medications used to treat schizophrenia (e.g., thioridazine). This combination can result in sleepiness.

Narcotics are of particular concern to individuals taking naltrexone. Naltrexone should not be taken with any drugs that contain opioids. All narcotics must be stopped seven to 10 days before starting naltrexone treatment and abstinence must be verified with a clean urine test. Naltrexone may block the effects of these medications.

Patients who are dependent on narcotics experience withdrawal symptoms when taking naltrexone. High amounts of narcotics may overcome the effects of this medication. This may lead to oversensitivity to narcotic effects and overdose symptoms. In some cases, coma or death may occur.

Symptoms of naltrexone overdose

Naltrexone does not cause overdose. Patients are advised to speak with a physician about the serious side effects of this medication.

Pregnancy use issues with naltrexone

Naltrexone should not be taken during pregnancy. Although it has not been studied in pregnant women, it has demonstrated adverse effects during pregnancy in animal studies.

It is not known whether or not naltrexone passes into breast milk. Though no adverse effects in nursing infants have been reported, it is recommended that patients taking naltrexone speak with a physician before breastfeeding.

Child use issues with naltrexone

Naltrexone has not been studied in children. Its effects and safety in patients under the age of 18 years is not known.

Elderly use issues with naltrexone

There have been very few studies of naltrexone in elderly patients. However, the medication seems to be similarly effective and as well-tolerated in older adults as it is in younger patients.

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Review Date: 12-10-2006