What Are the Benefits of Low Dose Naltrexone?

Drug addiction can happen to anyone. And while it's easy to think that it only happens in low-income areas, the truth is, it can be found in the most affluent areas, as well. 

Naltrexone is a drug that's used to help people overcome their opioid addiction. However, did you know that scientists have recently found that this particular drug is able to treat more than ten medical conditions? 

Thanks to this extraordinary breakthrough, scientists have found numerous benefits of naltrexone. However, despite this discovery, this drug should always be taken as prescribed unless otherwise indicated.

Here are the benefits of low-dose naltrexone:

What Is Naltrexone?

While naltrexone has been around since 1963, it wasn’t until 1984 that it was approved by the FDA as a form of treatment. Naltrexone is the generic name for Vivitrol. When treating opioid addiction, it's usually administered orally. Exact dosage will depend on the patient's weight and other possible underlying medical problems. 

Naltrexone is used as a treatment option by essentially blocking off your opioid receptors. This keeps the opioid in question from interacting with the receptors. In turn, people taking naltrexone no longer feel the euphoric effects brought on my opioids.

Naltrexone is one of the safest ways to wean off opioids. It can curb the need to use them and help users start the recovery process. However, naltrexone can also be used to treat a variety of other medical conditions. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Now that you know the history of naltrexone, let’s get into the newly found benefits. The first benefit of low dose naltrexone is its use as an anti-inflammatory. People often experience inflammation, and even pain, from gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease or from various forms of neuropathy. 

Naltrexone has also been shown to help people struggling through alcohol addiction, as well. Other medical conditions that can be treated with naltrexone include arthritis, seizures, and even cancer. 

Naltrexone can also be used to treat the painful, ongoing symptoms of fibromyalgia. Doctors usually prescribe an extremely low dosage of naltrexone for a fast and easy treatment. 

Naltrexone Is a Medicine with Very Few Side Effects

You often hear how taking a medicine comes with its batch of side effects. Naltrexone isn’t necessarily the same. That isn’t to say that there aren't any side effects to expect, however. Nothing is without cost, and naltrexone is no different. However, it’s one of the medications where the side effects disappear as quickly as they occur. 

As with any medication, taking too much naltrexone, can cause serious side effects. But when it comes to taking low doses, side effects are rare. Some common side effects of low dose naltrexone include feelings of nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, and constipation. On rare occasions, these symptoms can last for a couple of weeks. If it does, contact your doctor immediately.

Naltrexone Is a Cost-Effective Solution

Another benefit of low-dose naltrexone is the price. Naltrexone is not expensive and is usually covered by most insurance plans. It’s actually very budget-friendly for people who are on a budget. In fact, it’s a cost-effective solution for people whose insurance company won’t cover it. 

While naltrexone does offer a variety of benefits, it is still a controlled medication that requires a prescription. Even at low doses, you still need to be monitored by a physician. As with all types of prescription medication, it should only be taken as prescribed and by the person it's prescribed for. Don't take naltrexone if you're currently going through withdrawal or have taken an opioid recently. 

Be sure to review your medical history with your treating physician prior to starting treatment. If you do experience side effects, contact your physician for further guidance.