Is Naltrexone a Controlled Substance?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved naltrexone. Its primary use was originally for the treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorder. Naltrexone prevents alcohol and drug abuse by lowering drug cravings and the impulse to use opioids and alcohol. This is how it aids those in recovery in maintaining long-term abstinence or controlled use. But is naltrexone a controlled substance? If you want to learn more about naltrexone and substance abuse, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re sharing everything you need to know about naltrexone. You’ll also learn if it’s one of the many controlled substances out there.

Is Naltrexone a Controlled Substance?

No, naltrexone is not classified as a controlled substance.

Since it inhibits euphoric effects in the brain, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It cannot cause addiction or produce a “high.”

Naltrexone assists in the treatment of patients with opioid use disorder. It also helps with alcohol dependency. It is typically dispensed by a physician. When paired with coaching or counseling, it’s a great plan for recovery.

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder

When treating opioid use disorder, naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids. It does this by attaching to the cellular opioid receptors in the brain. To lower the risk of relapse, this feature works to lessen opioid cravings. It also prevents the intoxicating effects of opioids. In general, naltrexone therapy is advised for those who have abstained from all opioids for the previous 10–14 days. This precaution is intended to prevent precipitated withdrawal, which manifests as a sudden start of severe withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone shouldn’t be used before the completion of a medically supervised opioid withdrawal, often at least 7 to 10 days, as it can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms if you are still using opioids.

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone functions as a treatment for mild, moderate and severe alcohol use disorder. It does so by blocking endorphins at the same cellular opioid receptors in the brain. Endorphins have a similar structure to common opioids but are produced naturally by the body, and are released when drinking alcohol. By disrupting endorphin activity, the body begins to learn that alcohol does not produce the same reinforcing effects as before and cravings and the strong desire for alcohol dissipate progressively over time.

Naltrexone doesn’t make you ill when you drink alcohol, in contrast to disulfiram, also known as Antabuse. Therefore, naltrexone treatment can be started right away with active drinkers. Because of how naltrexone and opioids interact, it’s crucial for anyone considering using naltrexone for alcohol abuse therapy to let their health care provider know if they are presently taking any opioids or drugs.

Is Naltrexone an Opioid?

No, naltrexone is not an opioid. Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors in the brain, but unlike medications like buprenorphine and methadone, it does not activate them. As a result, naltrexone is not considered to be a narcotic. Because of this characteristic, naltrexone is a safe drug with no risk of abuse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes naltrexone as a medication that does not lead to physical or psychological dependence or addiction and is not habit-forming. When taken as directed, long-term naltrexone use seldom results in serious health issues.

Side Effects of Naltrexone

The majority of naltrexone’s side effects are minor and go away on their own in the vast majority of patients. However, it’s crucial to consult a health care provider right away if any side effects intensify or continue. Among the most common side effects of naltrexone are:

• • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Sleepiness

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Abdominal pain

  • Painful joints

  • Muscle cramps

  • Insomnia

Although naltrexone may have infrequent but severe side effects, these side effects should be brought to the attention of your health care provider promptly. Naltrexone’s more severe side effects, which are rare, could include:

• • Pneumonia

  • Depressed mood

  • Serious allergic reactions

  • Liver damage or hepatitis

  • Severe injection site reactions

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking naltrexone and see a health care provider promptly.

The Sinclair Method

At Alcure, we employ the Sinclair Method naltrexone dosing protocol to overcome alcohol use disorder and excess drinking. The Sinclair Method involves pairing the effects of naltrexone with each drinking session and avoiding it at all other times. That's sometimes called targeted dosing and by employing this dosing protocol, patients will undergo a process known as extinction alcohol use disorder. Practically, that translates into patients experiencing an increasing indifference to alcohol. Cravings and the strong desire for alcohol lessen progressively with each pairing session and eventually patients restore control over drinking and many find it easy to stop completely if they choose.

Now You Know The Answer to "Is Naltrexone a Controlled Substance?"

Is naltrexone a controlled substance? Simply put: No, it is not. Naltrexone disrupts opioid and endorphin activity at the cellular receptors in the brain which, over time, will lessen the impulse and habit for opioid or alcohol use. Using naltrexone to overcome alcohol use disorder following the Sinclair Method involves the targeted dosing of naltrexone to produce extinction of alcohol use disorder progressively. Patients restore control or can quit use altogether if they choose.

Read More Posts