| What is Naltrexone?
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Naltrexone is prescribed to treat alcohol dependence and narcotic addiction. |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Naltrexone?
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Naltrexone side effects (when treating alcoholism) may include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness,
and vomiting. Less common Naltrexone side effects may include
anxiety and sleepiness. If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Naltrexone side effects (when treating narcotic addiction)
may include abdominal pain/cramps, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, headache, joint and muscle pain, low energy, nausea and/or vomiting,
and nervousness. Other Naltrexone side effects may include acne, athlete's foot, blurred vision and aching, burning, or swollen eyes, chills, clogged and aching ears, cold sores, cold feet, confusion, constipation, cough, decreased potency, delayed ejaculation, depression, diarrhea,
disorientation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, feeling down, fever, fluid retention, frequent urination, gas, hair loss, hallucinations, head "pounding", heavy breathing, hemorrhoids, hoarseness, "hot spells", increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased energy, increased mucus, increased or decreased sexual interest, increased thirst, irregular or fast heartbeat, irritability, itching, light sensitivity, loss of appetite, nightmares, nosebleeds, oily skin, pain in shoulders, legs, or knees, pain in groin, painful urination, paranoia, restlessness, ringing in ears, runny nose, shortness of breath, side pains, sinus trouble, skin rash, sleepiness, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, swollen glands, tremor, throbbing heartbeat, twitching, ulcer, weight loss or gain,
and yawning. |
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| How is Naltrexone taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Naltrexone provided by your doctor. It is important to take
Naltrexone on schedule as directed by your doctor, and to follow through with your counseling and support group therapy. If you take small doses narcotic drugs while taking
Naltrexone, they will have no effect. Large doses combined with Naltrexone
can be fatal. If you miss a dose take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take two doses at once. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Naltrexone with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Naltrexone. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
Studies to evaluate the interaction of Naltrexone with drugs other than narcotics have not been
performed so do not take any medications, either over-the-counter or prescription, without first notifying your doctor. Do not use
antabuse while you are taking Naltrexone. Do not take mellaril while on
Naltrexone therapy, as the combination may make you feel very sleepy and sluggish. While taking
Naltrexone avoid medicines that contain narcotics, including cough and cold preparations,
antidiarrheal medications, and narcotic painkillers. |
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| How should I store Naltrexone?
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Store Naltrexone at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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Return to health network. |
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