Side Effects of naltrexone: A Synthesis of Findings from 23 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids and is widely used to treat alcohol dependence and opioid dependence. However, naltrexone is also being studied for other uses, and its side effects have been reported in many papers. These papers show that naltrexone can cause a variety of side effects, and that these side effects can vary depending on the dosage and individual differences. For example, 10 did not report any effects on physical, cognitive, or marksmanship performance in soldiers who took naltrexone daily. On the other hand, 1 suggested that depressive symptoms may occur when naltrexone is used to treat opioid dependence. Also, 5 reported gastrointestinal side effects in patients who took low doses of naltrexone.

Reasons for Side Effects

Naltrexone's side effects are thought to be related to its action on opioid receptors. Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors and blocks the effects of opioids. This action is effective in treating opioid dependence, but it can also cause side effects. In addition, naltrexone is known to act on other receptors and neurotransmitters, which may contribute to side effects.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Naltrexone can cause gastrointestinal side effects. 5 reported that patients who took low doses of naltrexone experienced side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Also, 2 reported that naltrexone suppressed opioid-induced anorexia in mice.

Nervous System Side Effects

Naltrexone can cause nervous system side effects. 1 suggested that depressive symptoms may occur when naltrexone is used to treat opioid dependence. Also, 5 reported that patients who took low doses of naltrexone experienced side effects such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

Other Side Effects

Naltrexone can cause side effects other than those affecting the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. 14 suggested that naltrexone may suppress sexual drive. Also, 3 suggested that naltrexone may reduce sexual side effects from antidepressants. Furthermore, suggested that people who tan frequently may have higher opioid levels induced by ultraviolet light when they take naltrexone.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Countermeasures for Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Dietary and lifestyle changes are effective for gastrointestinal side effects. For example, constipation can be relieved by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids. Diarrhea can be relieved by eating bland foods and staying hydrated. If necessary, you can also consult with your doctor about drug therapy.

Countermeasures for Nervous System Side Effects

Getting enough rest and reducing stress are effective for nervous system side effects. You can also consult with your doctor about drug therapy if necessary. If you experience symptoms of depression, you need to see a specialist.

Countermeasures for Other Side Effects

It is important to consult with your doctor to find the right treatment for other side effects. For example, counseling or psychotherapy may be effective for suppressing sexual drive. It is important to take precautions against sunburns to prevent ultraviolet-induced increases in opioid levels. However, because naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, you should consult with your doctor before taking naltrexone if you are taking opioids. Additionally, naltrexone should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Furthermore, naltrexone should not be taken by people with liver disease or kidney disease. Because naltrexone can cause various side effects, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking it.

Comparison Between Studies

Common Points Among Studies

Many studies have shown that naltrexone can cause side effects affecting the gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and other areas. These side effects can vary depending on the dosage and individual differences. Also, although naltrexone is effective in treating opioid dependence, it can also cause side effects, so it is important to consult with your doctor before taking it.

Differences Between Studies

The type and severity of side effects caused by naltrexone vary depending on the study. For example, 10 did not report any effects on physical, cognitive, or marksmanship performance in soldiers who took naltrexone daily, but 1 suggested that depressive symptoms may occur when naltrexone is used to treat opioid dependence. These differences may be due to differences in the characteristics of the study subjects and the study designs.

Points to Note Regarding Application to Real Life

Naltrexone is effective in treating alcohol dependence and opioid dependence, but it also carries the risk of side effects. If you are taking naltrexone, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and method of administration for your body type and symptoms. Also, if you experience any discomfort while taking naltrexone, consult with your doctor immediately.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of naltrexone is still not comprehensive. In particular, the long-term effects of taking naltrexone are still unknown. Also, although naltrexone can cause various side effects, the mechanisms behind them are still not fully understood. Furthermore, effective treatments for naltrexone's side effects have yet to be established.

Future Research Directions

To further advance research on the side effects of naltrexone, studies evaluating long-term effects and studies elucidating the mechanisms of side effects are needed. Research to develop effective treatments for side effects is also important.

Conclusion

Naltrexone is a medication that is effective in treating alcohol dependence and opioid dependence, but it can cause various side effects. If you are taking naltrexone, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and method of administration for your body type and symptoms. Also, if you experience any discomfort while taking naltrexone, consult with your doctor immediately. Furthermore, research on the side effects of naltrexone is still not comprehensive. Future research is expected to deepen our understanding of naltrexone's side effects and establish safer methods of use.

Literature analysis of 23 papers
Positive Content
20
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
3
Article Type
2
0
0
4
22
1.

Does naltrexone treatment lead to depression? Findings from a randomized controlled trial in subjects with opioid dependence.

Author: DeanAngela J, SaundersJohn B, JonesRod T, YoungRoss M, ConnorJason P, LawfordBruce R

Reduce depression

Naltrexone treatment did not exhibit worsening of depressive symptoms and a trend for improvement in depression was observed in participants attending all follow-up assessments.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Intranasal Low-Dose Naltrexone Against Opioid Side Effects: A Preclinical Study.

Author: MicheliLaura, Di Cesare MannelliLorenzo, LucariniElena, ParisioCarmen, TotiAlessandra, FiorentinoBruno, RigamontiMaria Adele, CalosiLaura, GhelardiniCarla

Reduced opioid side effects

Intranasal low-dose naltrexone effectively reduced gastrointestinal and central nervous system side effects of morphine and oxycodone in rodents without impairing analgesia. This suggests intranasal naltrexone as a potential clinical strategy for managing opioid-related side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

3.

A Comparison of Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants With and Without Naltrexone.

Author: ThapaMona, PetrakisIsmene, RalevskiElizabeth

Sexual side effects

This randomized clinical trial compared the rate of sexual side effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine versus the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine. The study also examined the effect of co-prescription of naltrexone on sexual side effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

4.

Does adding low doses of oral naltrexone to morphine alter the subsequent opioid requirements and side effects in trauma patients?

Author: FarahmandShervin, AhmadiOmid, DehpourAhmadreza, KhashayarPatricia

Reduced nausea

Ultra-low-dose naltrexone combined with morphine does not alter opioid requirements in patients with extremity trauma but may reduce the risk of nausea.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Naltrexone biotransformation and incidence of subjective side effects: a preliminary study.

Author: KingA C, VolpicelliJ R, GunduzM, O'BrienC P, KreekM J

alcohol dependence treatment
anxiety
erection
headache
nausea

Naltrexone's side effects may be related to higher levels of its metabolite 6 beta-naltrexol.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

7.

Treatment of neurotoxic side effects of interferon-alpha with naltrexone.

Author: ValentineA D, MeyersC A, TalpazM

IFN-alpha side effect relief
Naltrexone side effects

This study investigated the use of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, to treat IFN-alpha side effects in patients with hematological malignancies. Naltrexone was found to be effective in relieving IFN-alpha side effects in most patients.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Controlled clinical study of naltrexone side effects comparing first-day doses and maintenance regimens.

Author: BrahenL S, CaponeT, HellerR C, LindenS L, LandyH J, LewisM J

Opioid antagonist
Side effects

Naltrexone was found to have minimal side effects, with the least number of patients reporting side effects daily in the group receiving three doses per week.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Daily Naltrexone Use Does Not Adversely Affect Physical, Cognitive or Marksmanship Performance in U.S. Army Soldiers.

Author: Carreno-DavidsonJamie T, CastellaniColleen M, CarrenoJoseph J, DeLucaJesse P, SeligDaniel J, VuongChau V, PasiakosStefan M, RitlandBradley M

Minimal side effects

This study explores the potential of naltrexone as a prophylactic countermeasure against weaponized opioids, examining its effects on the health and performance of non-substance abusing military personnel.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Novel Anti-obesity Therapies and their Different Effects and Safety Profiles: A Critical Overview.

Author: Telci CakliliOzge, CesurMustafa, MikhailidisDimitri P, RizzoManfredi

Obesity management
Drug side effects

This review explores six anti-obesity drugs: liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, and bupropion/naltrexone. All drugs have been approved by the FDA for weight reduction except tirzepatide which is still under evaluation. These medications offer promising results for managing obesity and reducing associated complications due to their efficacy and tolerable safety profiles.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

Low-Dose Naltrexone in Rheumatological Diseases.

Author: de CarvalhoJozélio Freire, SkareThelma

Pain relief
Pruritus relief
Reduced medication use

This review summarizes the evidence for low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in rheumatic diseases, including systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. LDN shows promising results in reducing pain, improving well-being, and potentially reducing the need for other medications in these conditions. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Alcohol Use Disorder Treated With Naltrexone: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Author: SultanaTania, Sahib DinJaveria

Alcohol addiction improvement
Reduced sexual compulsion

Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) is a condition that can lead to significant distress. Naltrexone, a medication used for alcohol use disorder, may also be effective in reducing symptoms of CSB.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

16.

Antagonists of the Mu-Opioid Receptor in the Cancer Patient: Fact or Fiction?

Author: BelltallAmparo, MazzinariGuido, Diaz-CambroneroOscar, ErolesPilar, Argente NavarroMaría Pilar

Tumor progression

Mu-opioid receptor antagonists are being investigated for their potential to treat cancer. This review summarizes the available evidence on the effects of these antagonists on tumor progression and prognosis in different types of cancer, and evaluates their mechanisms of action.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

17.

Opioid withdrawal syndrome developing after long-term administration of naldemedine.

Author: IshidaMayumi, UchidaNozomu, YabunoAkira, HasegawaKosei, MizunumaNaoki, TakahashiTakao, OnishiHideki

Reduced OIC

Naldemedine, an oral peripheral μ opioid receptor antagonist, was developed to address opioid-induced constipation (OIC) without causing opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS). This drug does not cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially reducing central nervous system-related withdrawal symptoms. The study suggests naldemedine as a promising treatment option for OIC with a reduced risk of OWS.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

18.

Low-dose naltrexone for the induction of remission in patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease: protocol for the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentre LDN Crohn study.

Author: PaulidesEmma, LieMitchell R K L, van der WoudeChristien Janneke

CD remission

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is being investigated as a potential treatment option for Crohn's disease (CD) in patients who are refractory to current medications or experience side effects. This study aims to assess the efficacy of LDN for inducing remission in patients with mild to moderate CD.

Clinical Trial ProtocolA plan for conducting a clinical trial. It describes in detail the purpose, design, methodology, and statistical considerations of the trial, ensuring the transparency and consistency of the trial.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

19.

Study protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase III trial examining the add-on efficacy, cost-utility and neurobiological effects of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in patients with fibromyalgia (INNOVA study).

Author: Colomer-CarbonellAriadna, Sanabria-MazoJuan P, Hernández-NegrínHalbert, BorràsXavier, Suso-RiberaCarlos, García-PalaciosAzucena, MuchartJordi, MunueraJosep, D'AmicoFrancesco, MaesMichael, YoungerJarred W, Feliu-SolerAlbert, Rozadilla-SacanellAntoni, LucianoJuan V

Pain reduction
Quality of life improvement

The INNOVA study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, cost-utility, and neurobiological effects of low-dose naltrexone as an add-on treatment for pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Clinical Trial ProtocolA plan for conducting a clinical trial. It describes in detail the purpose, design, methodology, and statistical considerations of the trial, ensuring the transparency and consistency of the trial.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

20.

Effectiveness of anti-obesity medications approved for long-term use in a multidisciplinary weight management program: a multi-center clinical experience.

Author: CalderonGerardo, Gonzalez-IzundeguiDaniel, ShanKuangda L, Garcia-ValenciaOscar A, CifuentesLizeth, CamposAlejandro, Collazo-ClavellMaria L, ShahMeera, HurleyDaniel L, Abu LebdehHaitham S, SharmaMayank, SchmitzKristine, ClarkMatthew M, GrotheKaren, MundiManpreet S, CamilleriMichael, Abu DayyehBarham K, Hurtado AndradeMaria D, MokademMohamad A, AcostaAndres

Obesity treatment
Side effects

The effectiveness and side effects of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are being evaluated in real-world multidisciplinary clinical practice settings to assess their applicability beyond controlled clinical trials.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : English

21.

Safety and efficacy of naltrexone for weight loss in adult patients - a systematic review.

Author: Kulak-BejdaAgnieszka, BejdaGrzegorz, WaszkiewiczNapoleon

Weight loss
Well tolerated

Naltrexone/bupropion treatment was found to be effective in weight loss for overweight subjects. The treatment was well tolerated by patients, and side effects were rarely reported.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

22.

Low-dose naltrexone is effective and well-tolerated for modulating symptoms in patients with neuropathic corneal pain.

Author: DieckmannGabriela, OzmenM Cuneyt, CoxStephanie M, EngertRyan C, HamrahPedram

Refractory NCP treatment

This retrospective study aims to assess the efficacy and tolerability of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in refractory neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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