If you or somebody you know is addicted to prescription medications such as OxyContin, Codeine, or even methadone, you may have considered naltrexone vs naloxone as a treatment option. These medications are called opioid analgesics because they are used to treat pain. Unfortunately, these medications can be highly addictive as well. People who take these drugs for a long time may find that they are physically dependent on them. This means that they will continue to need the medication in order to function normally and that can lead to an extremely difficult lifestyle.
On the other hand, there are many physicians who feel that these medications should be available without a prescription in order to protect society from individuals who are suffering from drug dependency. When doctors suspect that a patient has this problem, they will often prescribe Naltrexone or Naloxone. They are not addictive and do not habitually interact with other substances like alcohol or marijuana. As a result, there is very little risk of harmful side effects, and they have been found to be very effective for individuals who are having difficulty quitting cold turkey.
However, just because they are a natural drug, it does not mean that Naltrexone can be tolerated by every patient. In fact, it can be fatal in certain rare cases when the dosage levels are not properly adjusted. There have also been reports of respiratory depression among patients taking this drug. For this reason, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends that patients with severe hypertension or diabetes should not use Naltrexone.
Naltrexone has also been shown to cause serious liver problems in some individuals. Some of the side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and liver enzymes in urine. It can also cause depression, ulcers, increased appetite, jaundice, joint pain, heart palpitations, and muscle weakness.
Because of these risks, many doctors will not prescribe naltrexone to individuals. The Food and Drug Administration has placed naltrexone and other anti-anxiety drugs on the list of drugs that are generally unsafe. You should also keep in mind that you should never take naltrexone if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have a history of depression or substance abuse. Always consult your doctor before starting a course of naltrexone. If you experience any of the above side effects, you should stop taking naltrexone immediately and contact your doctor.
Naltrexone has been found to be an effective means of treatment for individuals struggling with alcoholism, depression, and chronic pain. For this reason, many people choose to use naltrexone instead of taking another drug. However, when comparing naltrexone or naloxone it is important to remember that the short term affects of these drugs can be quite potent, so keep this in mind before deciding which is right for you.