Is naltrexone used for pain?

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, you know firsthand how debilitating it can be. Whether your pain is caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia or an injury, it’s important to find effective treatments that provide relief. One medication that has been gaining popularity in recent years as a non-opioid option for managing pain is naltrexone. But what exactly is naltrexone? And is it really used for pain relief? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication that was originally developed to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, making them less pleasurable and reducing cravings for drugs like heroin and hydrocodone.

However, researchers have discovered that there are other potential benefits of taking naltrexone beyond treating addiction.

Fun fact: Did you know that naltrexone received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 1984? That means this medication has been around longer than most millennials!

How Does Naltrexone Work as a Pain Reliever?

While naltrexone isn’t technically classified as a pain reliever or analgesic medication, studies suggest that it can help manage certain types of chronic pain.

One theory behind why naltrexone might work for pain relief has to do with its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation plays an integral role in many different diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease and even cancer (Scary stuff!) . Because of this, some doctors have started prescribing low-dose versions of natrexole which reduces inflammation levels thus reducing power on RA.

Another way that some people may experience improvements with their chronic discomfort after usingnatrexoleusemay have somethingto do withthe medication’s effect onthe immune system. Research suggests that low doses of naltrexone can also change the way various cells in your body behave, impacting things like inflammation and pain responses (Science is fascinating!)

What Types of Pain Can Naltrexone Treat?

While more research needs to be done regarding which types of pain respond best to a naltrexone prescription , there are certain conditions wherein usage has resonated positively with many patients.

Here are some chronic pain conditions that may potentially benefit from taking naltrexone:

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue,and tenderpoints throughout the body. It can lead to insomnia, depression and extreme sensitivityto sound and light.Exactly what causes fibromyalgiaremisains uncertain though it’s believed nervous psychological distressplays an important role.

Researchers have found that when given in very small doses, usually between 3-4 mg/daynatrexoleis reportedbymany fibromyalgiasufferersto reducepainand increase qualityof sleep (more ZZZs for everyone!) .

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is a chronic autoimmune diseaseinvolving painful joint inflammation resulting not onlyin debilitating arthritisbut alsocardiovascular complications.Research showsthat low-dose;natrexeoleneutralizes cytokines;which cause swelling thusresulting ineffective proliferation & maturationof Tcells due todiminutionof interleukins.This helps reduce RA symptoms including swelling,stiffness,and tenderness in joints.

In fact,this medication may helpsomewith preexisting drug resistancerelatedtowidespread application.What this means for people living with RAistheymay experience significantreliefof theirsymptoms ascomparedto relyingonopioids or even traditional anti-inflammatories (Consider us impressed!) .

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosisisa lifelong disease thatcausesdamageto the protective covering of nervesin your brain and spinal cord.This leads to poorfunctionality of muscles,toubled vison,and numbness/tingling sensationall over the body.

Whilemore researchis needed, Naltrexone’sabilityto modulate immune systemand make it more accountable by acting oncertain receptors may prove beneficial in recovering some MS symptoms thus opening up yet another potential usage for this medication.

Bottom line: While naltrexone is not officially approved by the FDA as a pain reliever at normal doses, cutting edge research indicates that small amounts can possibly alleviate various types of chronic pain. However, speaking withyourhealth care practioner should be priortostarting treatment!

What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Naltrexone?

As with all medications there are possible side effects when takingnatrexole.Here are some anyou need to know:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • nausea/vomiting
  • abdominal pains

It’s important to work closely withyou doctor or healthcare providerforbest recommendations on dosage and frequencyof intake for effectively minimizing these affects.All medication follows suit on “Better Safe than Sorry” adage!

Rare but Severe reactions

There have been rare reports submitted about patients developing liver damage after taking naloxetonetypically only at high dosages(50mg/day);over long periods;or elsewith alightedfailurealready existing.Ifthese severe effects worsen,it could signify an allergic reaction requiring immedaite emergency medical attention (yikes!) .

Takethe following points into accountwhentaking naltrexone-useitas directedby yourphysician;monitor yourbeverage consumption;i.e no alcohol while under treatmentwatch outforserious symptoms likepain,fatigue,sleep disorder etc., watch outfor signs likeabnormal liver function tests.

What Are The Key Benefits Of Naltrexone?

Aside from its potential as a pain reliever, there are other reasons why some people might choose to take naltrexone for their health:

Effective Withdrawal Symptom Management

Since natrexole;canblockthe effects of opioids on the brain, doctors may prescribe it to prevent withdrawal symptoms in recoving addictensitcouchingtreated with other drugs suchas methadone.Managementof opioidaddiction is most effectivelyby alsotrained addiction specialists.

Improved Mental Health

Research increasingly indicates that mental illnesscould be treated using lowdose;naltrexeolneOne studyreported that this medication hasindeedbeeneffective in improving mood swings and depressionin patients.The exact neoruopatologic mechanism behindthis trendis still broadly discussedand will requirefurth

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