HOW DOES NALTREXONE WORK?

Naltrexone (trade name ReVia) is a medication that blocks the effects of heroin, methadone and other prescription pain medications. It has been used for over 20 years. There are very few side effects from naltrexone and none of them serious. It is difficult to determine whether the symptoms one experiences initially after detoxification are due to the naltrexone or remnants of the withdrawal syndrome.

Naltrexone works by entering the brain and nervous system and attaching itself to small areas called receptor sites. In order for heroin and other opiates to produce their effect, it must attach to these receptor sites. However, naltrexone blocks the opiates from attaching to these receptor sites.

The purpose of naltrexone is that it can prevent relapse. Naltrexone is not addictive. Even after several months there are no withdrawal symptoms if you stop it suddenly.