Naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence

This paper reviews preclinical research which demostrates the involvement of the opioid system in the reinforcing effects of alcohol, and the effects of naltrexone, a long-acting, nonselective opioid receptor antagonist to reduce alcohol intake Naltrexone (50 mg/day) may prevent the return to drinking fry blocking the pleasurable effects or "high" associated with alcohol drinking, and relapse rates were reduced The most common adverse effects reported include nausea and vomiting and it does not appear to be hepatotoxic in dosages recommend Thus naltrexone appears to offer significant therapeutic benefits, when used with behavioural treatment for alcohol dependet patients.