How Often Do I Need To Take Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a medication for opioid and alcohol use disorder. How often individuals are directed to take this medication depends on the drug formulation prescribed.

Naltrexone comes in the following forms:

• naltrexone tablets (Revia, Depade)
• naltrexone extended-release injection (Vivitrol)

Naltrexone is FDA-approved as a medication-assisted treatment option for opioid use disorder, and more recently as a treatment for alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism.

Find out more about how to properly take Naltrexone

How Often Do You Take Naltrexone Tablets?

Oral naltrexone tablets are generally taken once daily in a single dose. The FDA-recommended dose for adults is 50 mg daily.

Within a treatment center or rehab clinic, oral naltrexone may be taken once daily, once every other day, once every three days, or once every day except Sunday.

Directions for frequency of use are determined by the prescribing physician, who may take into account both personal and biological factors when determining a suitable treatment plan.

How Often Do You Take Vivitrol (Intramuscular Naltrexone)?

Vivitrol is an extended-release formulation of naltrexone that can only be administered by a healthcare professional.

This long-acting formulation of naltrexone is indicated for the treatment of both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, while the oral form is only approved for alcohol dependence.

Vivitrol is an injectable formulation of naltrexone that is delivered intramuscularly (into the muscle) in a dose of 380 mg once a month or once every four weeks.

Factors That Can Affect How Often You Take Naltrexone

Directions for taking naltrexone can vary somewhat from person to person based on a number of personal and biological factors.

Factors that can affect frequency of use might include:

• type of naltrexone (i.e. oral vs. intramuscular)
• treatment setting
• liver and kidney function
• speed of your metabolism
• indicated use for naltrexone

Your prescribing doctor or treatment team may take into account various factors in the process of determining a suitable naltrexone treatment plan.

Naltrexone is non-addictive, has no abuse potential, and can be taken long-term to help individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol and opiates.

Call Today To Find Naltrexone Treatment Options

Naltrexone is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid or alcohol dependence.

When taken as directed, it can help support ongoing addiction recovery by easing cravings for alcohol and opioids and by blocking their euphoric effects.

For more information about naltrexone or available drug treatment options near you, call our helpline today to find an addiction treatment program that’s right for you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff