How Often Do I Need To Take Naltrexone?

Knowing how to properly take naltrexone starts with understanding the dosing schedule, which depends largely on which form has been prescribed. Naltrexone is available as a daily tablet (Revia, Depade) or as a once-monthly injection (Vivitrol), and the right choice often comes down to individual treatment needs and preferences. The medication is FDA-approved for opioid use disorder and, more recently, for alcohol use disorder as well.

Sticking to the prescribed schedule, whatever form is used, plays a big role in how well naltrexone works over time.

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.

What Happens If You Miss A Dose Of Naltrexone?

Missing a dose of oral naltrexone generally isn’t dangerous, but it can leave a gap in protection against alcohol or opioid cravings. If a dose is missed, it’s usually best to take it as soon as it’s remembered, unless it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose. For Vivitrol, since it’s administered monthly by a healthcare provider, missing an appointment means contacting the provider promptly to reschedule, since long gaps can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.

It’s worth discussing a plan for missed doses with a doctor ahead of time, rather than figuring it out after the fact.

Find Naltrexone Treatment Options

Naltrexone works best as part of a well-rounded treatment plan that also includes counseling, behavioral therapy, or support groups. If you’re considering naltrexone for opioid or alcohol dependence, reaching out to an addiction treatment program is the best place to start. They can help determine the right formulation and schedule based on individual needs, setting the stage for a treatment plan built around long-term recovery.