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What are naltrexone tablets?
NALTREXONE (Depade®, ReVia®) helps you to remain free of your dependence on opiate drugs (narcotics) or alcohol. Naltrexone works by blocking the 'high' that these substances can give you. Naltrexone therapy is combined with counseling and support groups. You can only use naltrexone after an initial detoxification period. If you take naltrexone while you are still taking opiate drugs, you can induce withdrawal symptoms. Generic naltrexone tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• if you are still using opiate drugs (narcotics) or alcohol
• liver disease, including hepatitis
• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to naltrexone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take naltrexone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals and with food to decrease the possibility of nausea. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember on the same day, take the missed dose. If you do not remember until the next day, ask your prescriber or health care professional about rescheduling your doses. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with naltrexone?
• certain medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• certain medicines for pain (for example, medicines containing codeine or propoxyphene)
• clonidine
• disulfiram
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking naltrexone?
Report to your prescriber or health care professional regularly. It is important to attend any counseling or support groups that your prescriber or health care professional recommends. Attending these sessions while you are taking naltrexone will help you remain free of your dependence on opiate drugs or alcohol. Never try to overcome the effects of naltrexone by taking large amounts of narcotics because this can cause coma and death.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking naltrexone. It is a good idea to carry a card in case of emergency to alert medical personnel that you are taking naltrexone.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, pain or diarrhea. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some of the ingredients may interact with naltrexone and cause side effects.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how naltrexone affects you.
What side effects may I notice from taking naltrexone?
Naltrexone causes few side effects in patients who are not taking opiate drugs. Some of the side effects listed below can occur only if you are still taking opiate drugs. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blurred vision or other eye problems
• confusion
• difficult or frequent passing of urine
• difficulty in awaking from sleep
• earache, ringing in the ears
• fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• fever
• hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that are not really there)
• mood changes
• nose bleeds
• pain, tenderness, or color changes in the legs or feet
• shortness of breath
• skin rash, itching
• slowed breathing
• swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs
• swollen glands
• weight gain
• yellow color of your eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Rare or uncommon, unless you are still taking narcotics:
• anxiety, nervousness, restlessness
• chills, sore throat
• constipation or diarrhea
• cough, hoarseness
• increased thirst
• irritability
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• runny nose, sinus problems, sneezing
• sexual problems in males
• stomach cramps or pain
More common:
• anxiety
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• headache
• increased tiredness
• nausea
• nervousness
• vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
