If you’re seeking treatment for your alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder, then it’s possible that your provider will prescribe you naltrexone. It’s a medication that can help you manage your withdrawal and move forward on your recovery journey. But, like all medications, it can also bring some side effects.

Knowing about possible side effects of naltrexone, and how they can show up in everyday life, can help you feel more prepared and empowered as you start or continue treatment.

Read on to learn about potential side effects that can come from starting naltrexone and how they may affect you. Then we’ll discuss how medication management at ReKlame can help.

8 possible naltrexone side effects

Naltrexone blocks the brain’s opioid receptors, which are involved in the rewarding effects of opioids and alcohol. By limiting those effects, the medication can reduce your cravings and support you in reaching your recovery goals.

When a medication is impacting your brain’s chemistry, it can bring physical and emotional side effects, including:

• Nausea

Nausea is one of the most commonly reported naltrexone side effects, especially during the first week. Nausea and vomiting affect up to 10% of people who take the medication for alcohol use disorder treatment. 

You may notice:

• Mild stomach discomfort
• Reduced appetite
• Feeling queasy after taking your dose

An upset stomach can be uncomfortable and potentially interfere with your everyday productivity, but taking naltrexone with food or at the same time each day may help reduce nausea.

• Headache

When you start your naltrexone prescription, you may experience headaches for the first few weeks. It’s right behind nausea as the most common side effect, impacting approximately 7% of people who take naltrexone for alcohol use disorder.

Headaches may affect different parts of your everyday life, including:

• Focus at work or school
• Screen time
• Energy levels

While headaches can be frustrating, staying hydrated and maintaining regular sleep habits can help. However, ongoing headaches should be discussed with a provider.

• Fatigue or low energy levels

Feeling tired or sluggish is another possible side effect that can impact your ability to carry out your everyday routines. 

This side effect may look like:

• Less motivation to exercise
• Needing more rest
• Difficulty concentrating

Fatigue often improves as your body adjusts to the medication. But persistent low energy may mean your provider needs to reassess your dosage or timing.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Some people report feeling dizzy while taking naltrexone, especially when standing up quickly, which can cause disorientation.

Experiencing dizziness can impact your safety in a few different ways, including your:

• Driving
• Physical activity
• Balance

If dizziness is frequent or severe, it’s important to let your provider know to reduce the risk of falling or causing injuries to yourself or others.

• Trouble sleeping

Naltrexone affects your brain’s dopamine and serotonin levels, which can impact your sleep.

You may experience:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Restless sleep
• Vivid dreams

Getting enough quality sleep can help reset your mind and body for mood regulation, concentration and stress management. That’s why ongoing sleep issues should be addressed early with your provider.

• Anxiety or restlessness

If you feel excessive worry or fear, especially over things you can’t control, that may be a result of your medication. Naltrexone can sometimes increase feelings of anxiety or restlessness, particularly at the beginning of treatment.

These side effects may show up as:

• Feeling on edge
• Difficulty relaxing
• Increased irritability

Anxiety or restlessness can interfere with your productivity and relationships with others. If your anxiety worsens or feels unmanageable, a provider can help determine next steps.

• Mood changes

Some people notice mood-related changes while taking naltrexone. Experiencing mood changes that are out of character for you can impact your motivation and everyday social interactions.

Possible changes include:

• Low mood
• Irritability
• Emotional flatness

Any mood changes that feel intense or persistent should be taken seriously and discussed with a provider.

• Joint or muscle pain

It’s important to be aware of all possible side effects of naltrexone, not just the most common ones. Some people may experience muscle or joint aches, which can make it difficult or uncomfortable to move around for daily tasks.

You might notice soreness without a clear cause or discomfort during movements.

These symptoms are usually mild but worth mentioning if they interfere with daily life.

ReKlame can help you manage your naltrexone side effects

Every medication comes with potential side effects, but that shouldn’t steer you away from treatment. Naltrexone can help you manage your cravings and support your ability to take control of your disorder. With medication management from ReKlame, you can stay on top of your naltrexone side effects to determine when changes may need to be made.

Give our care team a call today for more information, check your eligibility for free online or book an initial appointment online.