mendingheart

I would like someone to share the difference between a hydrocodone addict in rehab taking Suboxone vs Naltrexone......any thoughts and or comments?
My ABF went through detox, and was given Naltrexone. I have not read anything about it here, and seem to only find those who have had Suboxone.
Is there a difference? Feelings, emotional, sleep or disturbances?
Anyone that can help, please give us direction. He is going back to the dr. next week, he has had a relapse.

eddie z.

Hey, mendingheart! Naltrexone is a narcotic ANTagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids such as hydrocodone. It also helps with cravings. I have been on naltrexone for a couple of years now and I believe it helps and I found side effects to be minimal at the 50mg dose.

Suboxone, on the other hand, is kind of complicated to explain, because it is a combination drug, but the main ingredient is buprenorphine (brand name Subutex), which, rather than blocking opioids, acts as a substitute. The logic is similar to that behind using methadone.

Suboxone is useful for preventing withdrawal symptoms and is often used to help addicts taper off opioids altogether. I hope this helps. If you have further questions, feel free to send me a Personal Message, OK?

Love and hugs,
Eddie

Roxann

Suboxone contains Naltrexone. I'm a hydrocodone addict on Suboxone.

eddie z.

Actually, Suboxone contains naloxone, a different narcotic antagonist which is inactive when taken orally. It's in there to prevent people from injecting the Suboxone. Naloxone is active when injected and would put the user in withdrawal.
—EZ

Roxann

Where is that "know it all foot in mouth smilie" when I need it? I am bowing to ya Eddie!!!

eddie z.

Don't worry about it, Roxann. Alot of people get the two confused all the time.
—EZ

ironD

Here's a little something that I found recently that you might find interesting.

http://opioids.com/naltrexone/suicide.html

D

Evanna

Interesting article...the suicide bit...i wonder if that is because something in the naltrexone contributes towards depression or whether having an implant denies people their coping mechanism which is oftentimes drugs? All of this pre-supposes that the statistics are accurate of course.

eddie z.

I haven't looked at the article yet, but I know naltrexone IS linked to depression in SOME people. You have to consider, though, that addicts, who are the patients who would be on it, are probably more prone to suicide anyway. To me, it's like linking antidepressants to suicide and saying antidepressants caused people to kill themselves. I personally don't buy it. Jusy my opinion. I'll look at the article shortly.

Love and hugs,
Eddie

eddie z.

Hmm...compared to methadone, more overdoses, huh? This is probably because addicts use large doses in an attempt to override the naltrexone blockade to get high. It didn't say what they were comparing with regards to the suicide rate, but if it's methadone that sort of makes sense because methadone is just a substutute opioid. I'd be interested to see a comparison with addicts who are not on ANY medication management though, that is, neither methadone OR naltrexone.

You also have to consider the agenda of this website. I'm pretty sure it's a pro-legalization of opioids site, so logically they're going to post evidence against nalrexone treatment in favor of opioids themselves.

—EZ

ironD

The research was conducted for the Queensland Health Minister. Anyone can research Naltrexone and find numerous reports of depression as well as other complaints. The fact that it in effect blocks endorphin's, in my opinion explains the general feeling of malaise reportedly experienced by many patients taking Revia(Naltrexone). Another fact that doesn't get discussed is the fact that Naltrexone is contraindicated in patients suspected to have liver disease. By some estimates up to 90% of the IV addict population has Hepatitis C, but doctors still encourage patients to take Naltrexone.

D

eddie z.

Whoa! Good point, D! Thanks for the reminder!

I think there are plenty of drugs on the market, naltrexone included, that are safe WHEN PROPERLY MONITORED, but unfortunately too many docs do NOT monitor these meds. Then they end up getting pulled from the market because of the prescribers' irresponsibility.

My experience with naltrexone in particular has been very positive. I have no history of liver disease, so I am an appropriate candidate for it, though. I agree with you, D, that too many doctors push drugs that are often inappropriate in certain patients. Thanks again!

Love and hugs,
Eddie

ironD

Sure anytime........we are a full service shop. I was pleased to see that you've had such a positive experience with it in your own recovery.


D

eddie z.

I almost forgot...
Welcome to SR,
ironD!!
:hello2
Love and hugs,
Eddie

Now where did mendingheart go?