Naltrexone, when taken in high enough doses, will block the effects of all other opioids. A patient with Naltrexone in their system will be unable to obtain a ‘high’ from the use of opioids.
Naltrexone comes in two primary forms in the United States – a pill form and injection. The pill form is generally taken on a daily basis. The injection form (Vivitrol) is a combination of Naltrexone and a substance similar to dissolvable sutures that allows the medication to be slowly released into the bloodstream. A Vivitrol injection will be effective for approximately 28 days.
Naltrexone (both pill and Vivitrol) has also been shown to be effective in decreasing alcohol use. The effects vary widely from person to person – some patients report total cessation of consumption while others report a decrease in use. Regardless of the degree of effects, naltrexone therapy will result in an increased quality of life for most patients.