Why we use not opioid antagonists to treat addictions to opioids faster?
In: 77
We do. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is used to treat opioid use disorders, as well as other substance use disorders. It is often given as an injection into the muscle which then provides medication over about a month.
The problem is the withdrawal. If a patient is dependent upon opioids, giving naltrexone (or other opioid antagonists) can cause severe withdrawal syndrome. In some cases, acute withdrawal syndrome can require hospitalization and/or admission to the ICU. Opioid withdrawal is no joke.
This is why naltrexone can only be used in certain patients who meet a strict set of requirements.
Latest Answers