Naltrexone

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 21, 2024

Pros & Cons


Naltrexone Pros and Cons

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  • Naltrexone can support recovery from opioid addiction or alcohol use disorder, along with counseling and social support measures.
  • There is a lower-cost generic available for oral naltrexone.
  • Naltrexone dosing has convenient options such as once-daily dosing by the mouth of low-dose naltrexone, once monthly extended-release injectable naltrexone, or naltrexone implants every 3-4 months.

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  • Naltrexone is only for drug and alcohol treatment after you stop using opioid-containing medicines and alcohol.
  • Naltrexone alone is not enough for drug or alcohol treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends naltrexone as an adjunct to other measures, such as psychological counseling and social support.
  • This drug can make you more sensitive to the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. 
  • It may not be the best choice for people with impaired liver function.