Naltrexone Vs Naltrexone
naloxone vs naltrexone are a prescription medication commonly known as narcolepsy treated with Ambien, Lunesta and Restoril. This medication acts like narcotics and has some serious side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, depression, insomnia, impotence and sexual dysfunction. The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has approved naltrexone to treat severe cases of narcolepsy and to prevent the severe side effects of insomnia which are caused by naltrexone. Naltrexone is usually prescribed for the treatment of patients who have problems with their sleep. The patient taking naltrexone has to rest well to make sure that he gets the best result from the drug. The side effects however can be so serious that patients need to be carefully monitored.
Naltrexone and Naloxone differ in terms of mechanism. Naltrexone blocks the actions of acetylcholine and does not cause sedation or affect memory. Naloxone however, blocks the actions of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter and is responsible for our reaction to pain. The interaction between naltrexone and norepinephrine can cause an increased heart rate, sweating, nausea and diarrhea. Naltrexone can also cause hypothermia in extremely low temperature.
In studies conducted by The University of Illinois’ College of Medicine, naltrexone was compared with naloxone in patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It was found that naltrexone had little effect on patients with COPD. The researchers explain that naltrexone reduces blood flow to the lungs making it difficult to breathe and naloxone counteracts this action. Naloxone however, does not slow the progress of COPD.
Naltrexone is available in generic form as a tablet and capsules. Children, pregnant women, people with blood pressure problems, patients undergoing chemotherapy and people taking antidepressant medications are not recommended naltrexone due to possible side effects. Naltrexone is also associated with some risk of depression, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, urinary retention, and upset stomach. Taking naltrexone is usually done on a prescription basis and the dosage is adjusted and changed as per the requirement of the patient. The doctor must carefully consider all available options before prescribing naltrexone.
Naltrexone and naloxone are both effective in reducing or controlling excessive alcohol consumption, and nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments. However, naltrexone has been found to be ineffective in reducing drug use and in some cases has even been known to increase the risk of relapse. Naltrexone should not be used without the direction and approval of a physician. Naltrexone is a very powerful drug and must be used correctly.
Naltrexone can have serious side effects however, and these include severe drowsiness, impaired thinking, memory loss, sweating, restlessness, nausea, and abdominal pain. Some of the more mild side effects of naltrexone include a diminished effect on the menstrual cycle, increased urination, difficulty concentrating, and a decreased libido. The most common side effects of naltrexone are increased thirst and nausea. The drug is also capable of causing potentially severe liver damage, so proper usage should be monitored.
Naltrexone is not without its own side effects however. Common symptoms of side effects of naltrexone include an increased heart rate, muscle spasms, seizures, and in some cases, hallucinations. Naltrexone should never be combined with alcohol or other medications unless directed by a doctor. In addition, if you’re taking naltrexone you should avoid sexual intercourse while you are on naltrexone. Naloxone is most effective when it is taken within the first three months of use and should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
Naltrexone is available by prescription in the U.S. and in various countries around the world. Many times an insurance company will pay for a prescription naltrexone. There are a number of different ways that naltrexone is taken and the dosage may differ from person to person. Many people take naltrexone in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug such as isocarboxazid, tramadol, or tricyclic antidepressant. Naltrexone has been shown to be a beneficial addition to treatment in clinical depression, but is not recommended as a stand alone treatment for OCD