1. When do you administer naloxone?
Naloxone is administered as an antidote, in combination or alone, to reverse the harmful effects of an opioid overdose. It can also be used as a diagnostic test to determine an acute episode of opioid overdose. It can be administered intravenously, as an IM injection, or subcutaneously.
2. What precautions must be taken when using naloxone?
Naloxone is a short-acting drug; therefore, its effect wears off after a few hours. In such a case, various precautions should be taken such as constant monitoring and calling the emergency medical team to manage opioid overdose better.
3. Does naloxone make you sleepy?
No, naloxone does not make you sleepy. It reverses the effects of opioid overdose such as dizziness and sleepiness. Naloxone itself does not cause sleepiness. As it is a short-acting drug, the effects of an opioid overdose, such as sleepiness, can recur after naloxone treatment.
4. Is naloxone an antidote?
Yes, naloxone is an antidote drug used for opioid overdose. It blocks the action of opioids by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, thus aiding in a reversal of harmful effects of opiate dosage such as unconsciousness, shallow breathing and constricted pupils.
5. Does naltrexone affect your mood?
The effects of naltrexone vary from person to person. Naltrexone can lead to depressive and excitable episodes, which could also be because of withdrawal symptoms or underlying mental health conditions. It also counters the effects of euphoria caused by opioids.
6. What does naltrexone do to the brain?
Naltrexone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks their activity. It also suppresses the activity of endorphin receptors to reduce the euphoric effect of alcohol on the brain. By blocking opioid receptors in the brain, naltrexone helps reduce alcohol and opioid dependency in patients.
7. Can I take naltrexone at night?
Take naltrexone precisely as prescribed by the doctor. Naltrexone is preferably taken in the morning right after waking up to control the opioid dependency of the patient throughout the day. However, there is no specific time to take naltrexone; hence, you should follow your doctor’s advice.
8. Is naltrexone hard on the liver?
Yes, if you are suffering from liver conditions such as liver failure or hepatitis, you should avoid taking high doses of naltrexone. However, it is always better to weigh the risks and benefits before the treatment. In stable cases of liver diseases, naltrexone can be used in small doses.
9. Can naltrexone help with anxiety?
No, naltrexone does not help with anxiety. This drug is specifically used as an
antidote for treating opioid addiction and can have mood-altering effects such as an increase or decrease in anxiety, nervousness and depression. It should not be used to cure anxiety.
10. Does naltrexone block endorphins from exercise?
Yes, naltrexone blocks all types of opioid receptors and endorphins. Especially in the long-term treatment of opioid addiction, it can significantly decrease endorphin levels, a chemical that relieves stress and pain.
Consult our experts at Yashoda Hospitals to get a detailed opinion.
