Who Is Appropriate for Treatment With Oral Naltrexone?
A study by Volpicelli and colleagues (1997) concluded that patient compliance with naltrexone dosing is associated with treatment retention and positive treatment outcomes. As a result, it is important that either the patient be highly motivated for treatment or a medication monitoring plan be used to encourage naltrexone use if the patient is not highly motivated. To maximize compliance, physicians should observe dosing or encourage a family member or significant other to monitor medication use, especially at the beginning of treatment with naltrexone. Strategies such as incentives and feedback on medication compliance have been incorporated into treatment planning to enhance compliance. After the patient’s motivation has increased and he or she feels better and stronger, medication monitoring may no longer be needed.
