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Naltex is a light aid in the fight against addictions. However, it is not a remedy for this problem, but only to help stop taking further doses of drugs or alcohol. Check what are the contraindications and precautions while taking Nalatex.
Naltex – action
Naltex is a prescription-only lightweight. It is used to help maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs. The active substance is naltrexone hydrochloride. It affects the nervous system and is used to treat various types of addiction.
It is worth noting that the drug does not cure addiction, but is only a factor supporting a break from alcohol or drug addiction. Naltrexone works by blocking the receptors in the brain, thereby blocking the effects of opioids. After taking opioids, an addicted person does not feel euphoric as usual. Such effects are intended to discourage further substance use.
Simultaneously with the Naltex treatment, the patient should attend psychological or therapeutic sessions.
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Naltex – contraindications
- constant use of drugs with an opioid, e.g. some antitussives, antidiarrheal drugs,
- disorder or acute hepatitis,
- occurrence of withdrawal syndrome after administration of naltrexone hydrochloride,
- simultaneous use of methadone,
- opioid dependence in patients who have not stopped taking them,
- positive opioid test or naloxone provocation,
- age under 18, as there is not enough research into the safety of the drug on young organisms.
Naltex – special care
People with liver or kidney disease may develop hypersensitivity reactions after treatment, even after treatment has been discontinued. Additionally, blood tests should be performed before starting the treatment. The drug is metabolized by the liver, so regular monitoring of its condition is required, especially if the patient has any liver disease or hypersensitivity.
The patient should not take opioids while on Naltex treatment. In addition, 5-7 days (for heroin) or 10 (for methadone) should pass from the time of the last dose for the drug to take effect.
If there is a need to treat obese people or elderly people who have never been addicted to drugs with Nalekx, special care is also required. The drug may cause abnormal liver function tests.
Naltex may affect the mental and physical functions of a person, so you should not drive after taking it.
Naltex and pregnancy
To date, not enough research has been done on the effects of the drug on the body of pregnant women or on breast milk. Therefore, the use of the drug is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.
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Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.
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