Zany:
The prescribing information for Naltrexone is:
Treatment of Alcoholism:
A dose of 50 mg once daily is recommended for most patients (see Individualization of Dosage ). The placebo-controlled studies that demonstrated the efficacy of REVIA (naltrexone) as an adjunctive treatment of alcoholism used a dose regimen of REVIA (naltrexone) 50 mg once daily for up to 12 weeks. Other dose regimens or durations of therapy were not evaluated in these trials.
A patient is a candidate for treatment with REVIA (naltrexone) if:
The patient is willing to take a medicine to help with alcohol dependence
The patient is opioid free for 7-10 days
The patient does not have severe or active liver or kidney problems (Typical guidelines suggest liver function tests no greater than 3 times the upper limits of normal, and bilirubin normal.)
The patient is not allergic to REVIA (naltrexone) , and no other contraindications are present
Refer to CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS Sections for additional information.
REVIA (naltrexone) should be considered as only one of many factors determining the success of treatment of alcoholism. Factors associated with a good outcome in the clinical trials with REVIA (naltrexone) were the type, intensity, and duration of treatment; appropriate management of comorbid conditions; use of community-based support groups; and good medication compliance. To achieve the best possible treatment outcome, appropriate compliance-enhancing techniques should be implemented for all components of the treatment program, especially medication compliance. (emphasis added)
The medication is intended to be taken daily to reduce cravings and lessen the effects of alcohol, if consumed. This is why I call it a safety net.
If not taken daily, you are increasing the likelihood of cravings. Most people here will tell you that cravings usually pass within less than 10 minutes and they have found coping strategies to distract themselves from the cravings. I take the view that you are using the medication as a crutch because you are misusing the drug to allow for cravings and then taking the medication. Peak plasma levels occur within one hour. You could use your mind to control those cravings before the med becomes effective. So this is your crutch, because rather than fight those cravings you are taking a pill that won't kick in before you give into your cravings and drink.
That is the distinction I make. Hopefully it makes some kind of sense to you too.