Is naltrexone an opiate?

If you’re wondering if naltrexone is an opiate, then you must either be a fan of pharmaceutical trivia or trying to get one up on your pharmacist. Either way, look no further as we are about to dig deep into the world of opioids and give you the run down on this so-called wonder drug.

What Exactly is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is not an opioid, but rather a medication commonly used for treating alcoholism and narcotic addiction. Developed in the 1960s by Endo Laboratories, it was originally marketed under the brand name Trexan.

The drug functions primarily as a competitive antagonist at mu-opioid receptors in the brain – meaning that it blocks these receptors from being activated by opiates such as heroin or morphine. As a result, patients are able to break their addiction cycle by reducing their cravings without experiencing any sedative effects that might otherwise keep them hooked.

Additionally, many studies have shown that naltrexone can help reduce drinking behaviors in people with alcohol dependence by blocking endorphins which bind to mu-opioid receptors in vitro.

Does It Contain Any Opioids?

Nope! There are no opioids present in naltrexone tablets or injections whatsoever. In fact, n-methyl-naltrexone (a derivative of naltrexone), has been developed specifically for use against opioid-induced constipation ^( who knew there were multiple uses for derivatives?)

Inherently I find this confusing because if doctors prescribe methadon they explain one should take care never/try taking Pethidine/Percodane(meperidine)/procaine/mesoridazine/thioridazine/etc[1]. The point lies therein between interactions related aspects; too much codeine will lead some individuals only interested initially anyone intoxicated. On the other hand, naltrexone? Zero side effects (in comparison).

Other Uses

Apart from addiction treatment and alcohol dependence reduction, there are a few more potential uses for naltrexone that have been noted in studies:

  1. Fibromyalgia – where low dose naltrexone has shown to give some benefit
  2. Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
  3. HIV/AIDS prevention
  4. Obesity

In various animal studies But remember folks it’s important not to self-sequester your inner self-diagnostician …it’s a word; don’t look it up.

Side Effects of Naltrexone

It wouldn’t be fair to stick so much focus on negatives in this lighthearted article but like the cosmic forces demand us mere mortals require knowledge both good and bad right?

Without further ado here is a list of some side-effects you could potentially experience from taking n-desalkylflurazepam no wait I mean NALtrexOne.

  1. Nausea
    2.Headache
    3.Dizziness
    4.Fatigue

As frustrating as these can surely be they aren’t particularly deadly given the drug is prescribed specifically for addicts mostly trying NOT to perish early of an overdose or breathe their last breath due to cirrhosis .

However, if any serious or persistent symptoms develop please seek medical attention ASAP – better safe than sorry after all!

Conclusion

So now that we’ve cleared up whether naltrexone is an opiate or not (spoiler alert: definitely NOT), hopefully you feel a little more informed about what this fascinating medication does.

Whether you’re looking into getting treatment for yourself or just curious about opioids addiction medicines really picky habit…this psychedelic-esque molecule might help stay balanced! So again do always consult with your doctor before commencing new medications. Good luck!

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