Naltrexone (Revia ®) for alcohol
- opioid receptor antagonist
- Reduces levels of dopamine in response to alcohol use, therefore reducing alcohol’s rewarding effects
- reduces rate of relapse to heavy drinking
- increases number of abstinence days in alcohol-dependent individuals
- if relapse occurs, has been found to reduce craving and decrease amount and frequency of drinking
- shown to be more effective in reducing rate and severity of relapse rather than in maintaining abstinence
- found to be effective in conjunction with intensive psychosocial services as well as physician-led treatment with regular monitoring
Treatment Availability
Indications (when treatment might be suitable)
Contraindications (when treatment will not be suitable)
Effects & mechanism of action
Potential side effects & risks (including overdose)
Ceasing or withdrawing from treatment
Further Resources
