PrintNaltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication that works by blocking the effects of opioids. Patients taking naltrexone receive a monthly injection, which reduces cravings for heroin/opioids and also blocks the brain’s opioid receptors from the patient feeling any euphoric effects should they impulsively use heroin. Naltrexone cannot be administered to a patient until he or she has been totally withdrawn from opioids (a procedure known as detoxification) and has been opioid-free for at least 7 days. Naltrexone prevents relapse and can also be used by patients who have been in treatment and have tapered off buprenorphine as an added protection against relapse.
Naltrexone
Related Training Resources
Buprenorphine and Naltrexone Induction
Induction is an important component of delivering medications to treat opioid use disorder. This module will review different models for induction of buprenorphine and naltrexone in the outpatient office setting.Protected: Supporting Recovery with Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.5: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is increasingly encountered in clinical settings, and highly effective FDA approved medications are available for its treatment. This module reviews and compares pharmacological treatment options for individuals with OUD, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone (oral and long-acting intramuscular formulations). Current evidence for each medication is reviewed in detail and studies comparing each are discussed. The purpose and goal of medications for OUD is also reviewed, including the role of counseling in treatment of OUD and different treatment models. The module includes a discussion of a case vignette in which medication options for OUD are considered.6: Integrating Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Clinical Care
This module discusses models for integrating opioid use disorder (OUD) pharmacotherapy into primary care settings, reviews keys to successful OUD pharmacotherapy implementation in clinical practice, and identifies strategies for preventing diversion of buprenorphine/naloxone. Participants are encouraged to adapt this information for use in their own clinical practices.20: Treating Women for Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy: Clinical Challenges
Opioid use disorder (OUD) among women who become pregnant is increasing in prevalence in clinical settings. The standard of care is to provide buprenorphine or methadone as a part of a complete treatment approach during pregnancy and beyond the postpartum period. This module reviews the historical and current context of opioid use among women and during pregnancy. It compares pharmacological treatment options for women who become pregnant with an OUD and also discusses the issues with detoxification or medically assisted withdrawal from opioids during pregnancy. Issues related to the treatment of OUD during pregnancy and in the postpartum period for the mother, fetus and child will also be discussed (e.g., induction, dosing, pain management, neonatal withdrawal syndrome and how to reduce its severity).
Other resources you might be interested in:
- Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care
- Behavioral Interventions for MAT: Improving Outcomes
- Psychiatric Comorbidities: Diagnosis and Treatment of Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders and Opioid Use Disorders – Revised
- Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain: The CDC Guideline in Practice
- Analgesic Pain and Patient Expectations: Using Motivational Interviewing to Promote Best Practices
- Exploring the Correlation Between Substance Use and Cluster B Personality Disorders
XR-Naltrexone: A Step-by-Step Guide
PCSS Clinical Experts, Drs. Sandra Springer and Adam Bisaga, have created a virtual step-by-step XR-Naltrexone User Guide to assist you in your practice in treating opioid use disorder (OUD).