Naltrexone is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called opioid antagonists. The medication functions by blocking some of the effects of opioids and alcohol in the brain at the cell receptor level, helping to suppress cravings. This means if you take opioid medications (hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc.), use street drugs (e.g., heroin), or drink alcohol while using naltrexone, the medication blocks the reinforcing effects of endorphins, minimizing or eliminating the expected euphoria.
A naltrexone implant is a small medication pellet inserted just beneath the skin, which slowly releases medication over varying lengths of time ? usually between 10 to 12 weeks. Oral and injectable naltrexone are currently being used in the U.S. for treatment of opioid dependence. While it is curren