Naltrexone

Pharmacology

Naltrexone and its active metabolite 6-β-naltrexol are competitive antagonists at μ- and κ-opioid receptors, and to a lesser extent at δ-opioid receptors. The plasma half-life of naltrexone is about 4 h, for 6-β-naltrexol 13 h. The blockade of opioid receptors is the basis behind its action in the management of opioid dependence—it reversibly blocks or attenuates the effects of opioids.

The best way to imagine the way Naltrexone works is to picture trying to open a door with a Chubb key that has a key in the locked position on the other side. You can’t get it in. This, crudely, is how opiates find the receptor site that is occupied by Naltrexone.

How long should you take it? It really depends on how confident you are that you can stay off on will power and support. If in doubt you should probably stay on the medication. If you do come off opiates for a while and then go back, be very aware that your tolerance has now dropped and if the Naltrexone is out of your system you are at great risk of overdose. If you fancy trying to see if your new implant works by buying a bag, don’t bother, it does.