Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

    Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2002 Aug;10(3):213-27.

    Clinical uses of naltrexone: a review of the evidence.

    Modesto-Lowe V, Van Kirk J.

    Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06030-2103, USA. modesto@neuron.uchc.edu

    The implication of the opioidergic system in the pathogenesis of various substance use disorders has led to renewed interest in expanding the clinical uses of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. This article examines the evidence for the efficacy of naltrexone in a variety of substance use and psychiatric disorders. Naltrexone can be an effective treatment for alcohol and opioid dependence if issues of compliance are adequately addressed. Thus far, no definitive role has been found for naltrexone in the treatment of other psychiatric disorders. Further research needs to be done in self-injurious behavior, gambling, cocaine, and nicotine dependence.

    PMID: 12233982 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    Supplemental Content

    Click here to read

    Patient drug information

    • Naltrexone (ReVia®)

      Naltrexone is used along with counseling and social support to help people who have stopped drinking alcohol and using street drugs continue to avoid drinking or using drugs. Naltrexone should not be used to treat people...