What to Avoid When Taking Low Dose Naltrexone

Key Takeaways

• Those who have liver or kidney problems should avoid taking low-dose naltrexone.

• Avoid taking any opioid-based medications or herbal supplements that may have opioid-like compounds as part of their intended uses.

• Avoid any alcohol consumption as this could increase your chances of the primary and common side effects like dizziness, anxiety, and nausea.

What to Avoid When Taking Low-dose Naltrexone

Here is what to avoid when taking naltrexone:

1. Avoid Any Opioid-Based Medications

Common types of opioid-based medications are oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and methadone. These are most commonly prescribed for anyone who is feeling pain or having issues with pain. Opioid peptides and their receptors are potential candidates for the development of novel antidepressant treatment. If this is something that you’re currently experimenting with, it’s recommended to avoid the use of any Naltrexone.

Here is a longer list of medications and drugs to avoid taking alongside Naltrexone:

• Alfentanil

• Alphaprodine

• Anileridine

• Benzhydrocodone

• Buprenorphine

• Butorphanol

• Codeine

• Diacetylmorphine

• Difenoxin

• Dihydrocodeine

• Diphenoxylate

• Ethylmorphine

• Fentanyl

• Hydrocodone

• Hydromorphone

• Ketobemidone

• Levorphanol

• Meperidine

• Methadone

• Morphine

• Morphine Sulfate Liposome

• Nalbuphine

• Nicomorphine

• Opium

• Opium Alkaloids

• Oxycodone

• Oxymorphone

• Papaveretum

• Paregoric

• Piritramide

• Propoxyphene

• Remifentanil

• Sufentanil

• Tapentadol

• Tilidine

• Tramadol

2. Alcohol Use

As with most medications, avoiding alcohol consumption can prevent some of the side effects from being more prominent. Some of those common side effects are:

• Abdominal or stomach cramping or pain (mild or moderate)

• Anxiety, nervousness, restlessness or trouble sleeping

• Headache

• Joint or muscle pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Unusual tiredness

The use of alcohol could increase dizziness, headache, and anxiety or nervousness as those are natural side effects of any alcohol consumption. In combination, could cause increasing severity of these issues.

3. Herbal Supplements

While not tested in a controlled environment, it’s suggested to avoid taking any type of herbal supplements that might be used for anti-depression. That list would include:

• Perforate St John's-wort

• Lavender

• Ginkgo

• Saffron

• Chamomile

• Same

• Valerian

• Omega 3

• Ashwagandha

• Ginseng

• Lemon balm

• Piper methysticum

• Rhodiola rosea

Herbal supplements like these may actually contain opioid-like compounds. And the reaction that they could have along with the Naltrexone is unknown.

4. Avoiding Abrupt Discontinuation

Due to the effect that Naltrexone may have on the body, it’s advisable to start to wean your use of the drug off over time. Reducing your dosage size. On average, adults take roughly 50mg per day. You may want to start to slow your milligram percentage over time. This will help with any side effects that could happen from the immediate discontinuation of use.

5. Special Prescription Drugs

It’s important to consider speaking with a physician or primary care doctor about what drugs you are currently taking and the desire to start taking low-dose Naltrexone. Your physician may advise to either adjust your prescriptions or suggest a specific milligram dosage for you to begin your treatment.

6. Avoid Taking With Kidney Problems

The liver metabolizes Naltrexone while the kidney handles its elimination from the body. Meaning that patients who have liver problems should avoid taking low-dose Naltrexone. In addition, patients who do not suffer from these conditions but develop yellow discoloration of their eyes may want to visit a physician about the usage and see if you’re experiencing any liver or kidney problems as part of your treatment plan.