Naltrexone
(Revia, United States and Canada)

More drugs used for Alcoholism.

Use:

Naltrexone or Revia is used to reduce alcohol cravings and to cause drinking to be less pleasurable.

How It Works:

Naltrexone or Revia is a narcotic antagonist, which was originally used for narcotic dependency. Alcohol supposedly stimulates the body's natural opiates. Naltrexone or Revia blocks this stimulation reducing cravings and pleasure.
Naltrexone or Revia acts for 24 hours, thus a once daily dose is required. However, addiction counselling and supportive therapy is essential. With Naltrexone or Revia there are less craving, fewer drinking days, fewer drinks per occasion, and a lower incidence of relapse.

Side Effects:

Naltrexone or Revia can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, and weight loss. Abuse of Naltrexone or Revia has been reported.

Cautions for People:

Because addiction counselling and supportive therapy are an integral part of therapy with Naltrexone or Revia, people must be willing to be involved in a complete program.

Drug Interactions:

Naltrexone or Revia will block the effects of narcotics, thus for pain relief non narcotic drugs are required. Thioridazine and Naltrexone or Revia use results in lethargy.

Further Reading:

Arch Gen Psychiatry 1992;49:876,887
Med Letter 1995;37:64

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.

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