Naltrexone is one of the effective medications for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence which belongs to opioid antagonists, a class of drugs. In addition, it assists a lot in reducing the craving for alcohol and opioid by keeping some changes in the body’s metabolism. Receptors in the brain are blinded by which pleasure of alcohol couldn’t be felt. Through all of these processes, alcoholic addiction could be eliminated. Now here we are going to know how it could be used for weight loss of body. To know how it could work for body weight loss, go through the following details.
Which disorders could be treated by it?
Naltrexone is effective in the treatment of a lot of disorders of the human body. Some of the majors mentioned here that are good to remove by naltrexone:
- Substances use disorders
- Self-injurious behavior
- Gambling disorder
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder
How it works for weight loss
There is some evidence by which it is suggested that naltrexone could be worked for weight loss. Furthermore, some changes in the body’s metabolism happen with the use of naltrexone which helps in weight loss. Here is the mechanism of action of naltrexone in the way of weight loss:
- It starts working by the suppression of appetite. It makes such changes in our body by which craving for food decreases to a minimum. As a result of this bodyweight lessons by less intake of food.
- It leaves its effects on the brain for appetite regulation.
- It follows the reward pathway in its action, by which pleasurable effects of food and drink could be taken. As this process follows intake of food reduces to the maximum level.
- The process of hormone release also changes a lot by regular intake of this . Like it enhances the release of the gut hormone that stimulates hunger and other related signaling.
- It is also observed in some people that taking it gives the feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
- According to one piece of evidence, it is observed that naltrexone is obsessed with anti-inflammatory properties. Which leaves an effect on our weight regulation, chronic inflammation, obesity, and weight loss.
- Different kinds of addictive behaviors could be regulated by proper intake of this. As it belongs to the class of antagonists it assists a lot in compulsive eating or addictive behaviors.
- It is one more point to be noted that it could be taken only under the guidance of your health care provider.
Dose of naltrexone
Here are the directions to know how could you use naltrexone in case of different diseases.
- In the case of opioid, disorder uses the typical dosage of this medicine is 50 mg that have to take orally once a day.
- In case of an alcohol use disorder, it is good to take this from 25 to 50 mg depending upon the severity of the condition. And it could be taken 2 times per day orally.
- For compulsive behavior disorder, this medicine should be taken once a day at 25 mg.
- For weight loss, it is advised to be taken 2 times a day from 25 to 50 mg.
Side effects of naltrexone
No there are a lot of disorders that could be treated by taking this but like other medications, it could leave some side effects as well:
- Different kinds of gastrointestinal infections could happen by the use of naltrexone including vomiting, nausea, and burning.
- Headache is most commonly observed by using this medicine that could be of simple to severe range.
- In some cases, fatigue or dizziness could also be observed by using this.
- In some people, it could leave some signs of depression including anxiety, nervousness, or some others as well.
- Sleep patterns change to a remarkable level by using this. Moreover, in some cases, problems of insomnia or vividness also could occur.
- Some further side effects of naltrexone are muscle or joint pain and decreases appetite.
- In some rare cases, allergic reactions also could happen after using this which could range from redness, rashes, or even infection.
Precautions while taking naltrexone for weight loss
It is observed from a lot of experiences that naltrexone could leave side effects ranging from simple to server. But here are some precautions that could be followed to use them in a very safe way.
- It is good to use this medicine under medical supervision. Because a regular dose or treatment plan is required to have it more safely.
- An analysis of the previous medical history of a patient is required to use this to recommend it according to their medical condition.
- Naltrexone couldn’t be taken if it is an opioid in your system. In such cases, doctor it first and then prescribe naltrexone accordingly.
- It is one more point to be noted which other medications you are using while taking this because there are some with which naltrexone could interact causing damage instead of treatment. Therefore, it is advised to let your doctor know which other medications you are using before.
- Naltrexone is a medication that needs to be taken by sticking to its schedule. Because having it irregularly stimulates the negative metabolism of our body.
- The benefits of this medicine couldn’t be taken if you don’t follow the full course of it.
- In case of observing any kind of side effect, it is important to get advice from your health care provider for changing its dose or finding some alternative.
- If you are pregnant or going through breastfeeding it is crucial to inform your doctor before using this medicine.
- All kinds of drugs are restricted to take while using this medicine.
Conclusion
Here it is enlisted how naltrexone works for our body in the way of weight loss. These mentioned all ways of using it, how it works, dosage, side effects, and precautions while using this medicine. In addition, it is good to take proper guidance from your doctor if you find the need of using naltrexone in the treatment of the above-mentioned issues.
