Naltrexone Tablets for Alcohol or Opioid Dependence (Revia®)

What Naltrexone Is and How It Works

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to support treatment of alcohol use disorder and to prevent relapse in opioid dependence. It binds to mu-opioid receptors and blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol and opioids. This helps reduce cravings and supports abstinence. Oral naltrexone HCl is supplied as film‑coated tablets, most commonly 50 mg.

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People often search for naltrexone weight loss. Naltrexone alone is not approved for weight management. Weight loss with naltrexone is mainly studied in fixed‑dose combination with bupropion (extended‑release). Low naltrexone, often called low‑dose naltrexone, is researched off‑label for inflammatory conditions, but this differs from standard addiction treatment dosing.

Naltrexone uses include maintenance of abstinence in alcohol dependence and blockade therapy after detoxification in opioid use disorder. It is not a treatment for acute opioid withdrawal. Starting naltrexone requires an opioid‑free interval to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

Dosage and Usage

• Form and strength: naltrexone tablets (naltrexone HCl), commonly 50 mg. Many patients take naltrexone 50 mg tablets once daily.
• Alcohol dependence: typical dose is 50 mg once daily. Some regimens use supervised dosing schedules.
• Opioid dependence relapse prevention: common dose is 50 mg daily. Alternative schedules (e.g., 100 mg on certain days) may be used under medical supervision.
• Test dose: a 25 mg test dose may be used initially to assess tolerance and risk of withdrawal in opioid‑experienced individuals.
• Opioid‑free interval: ensure an adequate opioid‑free period before the first dose. A naloxone challenge may be considered in some protocols.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double the dose.
• Alcohol use while on therapy: drinking on naltrexone does not produce the usual reward and may reduce heavy‑drinking days, but counseling and support programs improve outcomes.
• Do not use opioids while on naltrexone; analgesic response will be blocked.
• Not interchangeable with injectable naltrexone; dosing and kinetics differ.

• Storage: store tablets at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Light and moisture: protect from excessive moisture; keep desiccant in the bottle if provided.
• Travel: keep tablets in original labeled container in your carry‑on. Bring your prescription and a copy of your order confirmation.
• Handling: do not split or crush unless the product information allows it for your brand.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Naltrexone medicine can reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol, helping people cut down or maintain abstinence. In opioid use disorder, receptor blockade helps prevent relapse after detoxification. Once‑daily dosing with a naltrexone 50 mg pill is straightforward for many treatment plans.

You can choose generic naltrexone for notable value. Compared with typical U.S. prices, many customers see 60–80% savings. Multi‑month supplies can lower the per‑month naltrexone cost, and bulk promotions may further reduce expenses. Reorder reminders can help you stay on schedule with your therapy.

Questions about naltrexone weight loss often relate to the fixed‑dose bupropion naltrexone combination approved for chronic weight management. Naltrexone alone is not approved for weight loss.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, fatigue, muscle or joint aches.
• Liver: elevations in liver enzymes can occur; risk increases with higher doses.
• Central nervous system: restlessness, irritability, or depressed mood may appear in some patients.
• Injection comparison: injectable naltrexone can cause injection‑site reactions; not applicable to tablets.
• Alcohol: naltrexone and alcohol together may reduce reward but can still impair judgment and coordination.

Serious risks include hepatotoxicity (especially with high doses), precipitated opioid withdrawal if opioids are present, and allergic reactions. Naltrexone is contraindicated in acute hepatitis or liver failure and in patients currently dependent on opioids or with a positive opioid screen. Carry medical identification if there is any chance emergency opioid pain control might be needed. When combined with opioids or opioid‑containing cough/cold medicines, analgesia will be blocked and withdrawal may occur.

Onset Time

For alcohol dependence, craving reduction may begin within the first one to two weeks, with greater benefit over several weeks as adherence continues. For opioid blockade, receptor occupancy occurs after the first dose, but stable clinical benefit in relapse prevention is best assessed over weeks within a comprehensive program. Weight outcomes are not expected with naltrexone monotherapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Acamprosate is used after alcohol detox to support abstinence by modulating glutamatergic pathways. It differs from naltrexone, which targets opioid receptors and is often chosen when craving reward needs to be blocked.

Disulfiram causes an aversive reaction if alcohol is consumed. It does not reduce cravings and requires strict adherence and monitoring. Some patients prefer naltrexone because it reduces the rewarding effects rather than causing a deterrent reaction.

Injectable naltrexone (extended‑release) provides monthly dosing, which may support adherence for some patients who cannot take daily tablets. It requires clinic administration and has different cost and access considerations compared with naltrexone tablets.

For weight management, the approved option is the extended‑release bupropion naltrexone combination. It is distinct from standard naltrexone tablets used for alcohol or opioid dependence. If weight loss is the goal, clinicians consider the labeled fixed‑dose product rather than naltrexone alone.

Methyl naltrexone is a peripherally acting opioid antagonist used for opioid‑induced constipation. It does not treat alcohol or opioid dependence and should not be confused with oral naltrexone tablets.

Combination Therapy

• Counseling and support: combine naltrexone with psychosocial interventions (e.g., CBT, mutual‑help groups) to improve outcomes in alcohol dependence.
• Opioid use disorder: pair naltrexone with relapse‑prevention counseling and regular follow‑up. Ensure an opioid‑free period before initiation.
• With bupropion: for weight control, only the extended‑release fixed‑dose bupropion naltrexone product is used; do not substitute with separate immediate‑release tablets without clinical direction.
• Liver monitoring: consider baseline and periodic liver‑function tests, especially with higher doses or hepatic risk factors.
• Pain management: develop an emergency pain plan since opioids will be blocked while on naltrexone.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Naltrexone may suit adults with alcohol use disorder who aim to reduce heavy‑drinking days or maintain abstinence, and adults with opioid use disorder who have completed detoxification and want opioid blockade. It is not for individuals currently using opioids, those in acute withdrawal, or those with acute hepatitis or liver failure.

Use caution in patients with chronic liver disease, renal impairment, or significant depressive symptoms. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require risk‑benefit assessment. Naltrexone over the counter is not available; it is prescription only.

To manage costs, consider generic naltrexone tablets. Ordering a 90‑day supply, when approved by your prescriber, can lower per‑month costs. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account to avoid gaps in therapy. If your clinician recommends an alternative such as injectable naltrexone, compare the total cost of clinic administration and monitoring with oral therapy.

For many treatment plans, the standard naltrexone 50 mg tablets offer a practical once‑daily option. This strength is widely used, and a naltrexone 50 mg pill is straightforward to store and travel with.

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Naltrexone Hydrochloride Tablets Prescribing Information

FDA Label: Vivitrol (injectable naltrexone) Safety Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Naltrexone

Order Naltrexone from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always consult your clinician or pharmacist about your specific treatment.