What is naltrexone, and how does it work?
Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of drugs known as opiates, or narcotics (a class that includes morphine, heroin, or codeine). It competes with these drugs for opioid receptors in the brain. Originally used to treat dependence on opiate drugs, it now has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as treatment for alcohol dependence. People who are dependent on opiate drugs, such as heroin or morphine, must stop their drug use at least 7 days prior to starting naltrexone. Some people should not take naltrexone, such as those suffering from chronic pain who rely on opioid painkillers or people with liver failure or acute hepatitis. Although the precise mechanism of action for naltrexone’s effect is unknown, reports from successfully treated patients suggest the following three kinds of effects: • Naltrexone can reduce a patient’s urge or desire to drink. • Naltrexone helps patients remain abstinent. • Naltrexone can interfere with the patient’s de
