Naltrexone at its normal strength is often sold under the brand names ReVia and Vivitrol among others. It is a medication primarily used to manage alcohol or opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and feelings of euphoria associated with substance use disorder. It has also been found to be effective in the treatment of other addictions and may be used for them off-label. An opioid-dependent person should not receive naltrexone before detoxification. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle. Effects begin within 30 minutes. A decreased desire for opioids may take a few weeks to occur.
Naltrexone was first made in 1965 and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1984. Naltrexone, as naltrexone/bupropion (brand name Contrave), is also used to treat obesity.
Naltrexone is commercially available only in a 50 mg tablet. However, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) therapy is usually prescribed as 0.5mg-4.5 mg per day, adjusted to the correct dose depending on the patient’s response. HB Pharmacy uses naltrexone powder from FDA-approved facilities to formulate individualized dosing based on a prescription order.