Sexual Side Effects Of Naltrexone

Sexual dysfunction can affect people in various ways, including reduced interest in sex, difficulty becoming aroused, pain during intercourse, and problems with orgasm or erectile function. These issues can significantly impact quality of life and relationships, making it important to understand potential causes and discuss them with healthcare providers.

Naltrexone, a medication prescribed to help people recover from opioid addiction or alcohol use disorder, may cause sexual side effects. This happens because naltrexone affects the body’s natural opioid system and can influence hormone levels that play important roles in sexual function. The severity and type of sexual side effects of naltrexone can vary, depending on factors such as their history of substance use, current health status, and other medications they’re taking.

What Causes Sexual Side Effects While Taking Naltrexone?

Naltrexone belongs to a group of medications known as opioid antagonists. It binds and blocks opioid receptors in the body, which can in turn affect hormone regulation. Opioid drugs are known to lower free and available testosterone. While naltrexone isn’t an opioid, its antagonistic effects on opioid receptors can produce a hormone response.

Hormonal regulation plays a central role in the function of sexual organs, sexual desire, and menstruation. Changes to hormone levels, therefore, may disrupt this.

Does Naltrexone Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a side effect that can occur while taking naltrexone, also known as Vivitrol or Revia.

Risk factors for this might include:

• older age
• chronic opioid dependence
• high stress

Chronic opioid dependence can lead to effects on sexual function. In healthy adults without a history of opioid abuse, naltrexone may help treat erectile dysfunction. However, while naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can block euphoric effects of opiates, its use may not necessarily reverse or treat sexual side effects caused by opioid dependence.

Does Naltrexone Cause Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation can occur as a side effect of naltrexone use, along with other sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction and decreased energy levels. While this side effect can be distressing, it’s important for people to discuss these concerns with their doctor rather than discontinuing their addiction treatment medication, as doctors may be able to adjust dosages, suggest timing changes, or recommend other strategies to manage side effects.

Does Naltrexone Affect The Menstrual Cycle?

Naltrexone has been studied for its potential to treat weight loss-related amenorrhea, or the absence of one’s monthly menstrual periods. Irregular menstruation is a hormonal issue that can occur as a result of chronic alcohol abuse, opioid abuse, stress, malnutrition, or health conditions such as endometriosis. Naltrexone is not known to cause irregular menstruation. If this does occur, consider contacting your doctor to discuss potential causes.

Can Natrexone Affect Sex Drive?

Decreased sex drive is a common side effect of naltrexone and other medications used to treat opioid use disorder, including methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone). People taking naltrexone may notice reduced interest in sexual activity or feel less satisfied during or after sex. It’s important to talk about these issues with a healthcare provider, as they can suggest ways to mitigate a decreased sex drive.

Managing Sexual Side Effects Without Stopping Naltrexone

Sexual side effects from naltrexone can be frustrating, but stopping the medication without medical guidance puts recovery at risk. The good news is that there are ways to manage these effects without abandoning treatment. Talking openly with a prescribing doctor is the most important first step, as they may be able to adjust the dose, change the timing, or switch between oral and injectable formulations to see if side effects improve.

Addressing underlying contributors like depression, anxiety, and poor sleep can also make a real difference, as these independently affect sexual function. In some cases hormone testing may reveal imbalances that can be treated. Sexual side effects are common, however, and a doctor who knows addiction medicine can take an approach that helps with both recovery and quality of life.

Risk Factors For Sexual Side Effects Of Naltrexone

Sexual dysfunction can be influenced by a whole host of factors unrelated to the use of naltrexone.

Additional risk factors for sexual dysfunction may include:

• depression
• anxiety
• high stress levels
• insomnia
• certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes)
• kidney or liver failure
• concern about sexual performance
• past sexual trauma
• relationship problems
• use of antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs)

Treatment for sexual dysfunction may come in the form of hormone replacement, or the use of behavioral treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy or relationship counseling. Although it can be difficult to talk about sexual side effects from medication use, discussing this with a doctor may offer an opportunity to find a treatment best suited for you or a loved one.

Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

There are many different treatment options designed to help people overcome addiction. Treatment programs can be tailored to meet individual needs, whether someone is beginning recovery or has tried treatment before.

Common addiction treatment options include:

• Detox Programs: medically supervised withdrawal to safely remove drugs or alcohol from the body
• Inpatient Treatment: 24-hour residential treatment with medical care, therapy, and support
• Outpatient Programs: treatment that allows people to live at home while attending regular counseling sessions
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): more structured outpatient care with frequent therapy and group sessions
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: using medications like naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine to reduce cravings
• Individual and Group Therapy: counseling to address underlying causes of addiction and develop coping skills
• Support Groups: peer support through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: ongoing support to help maintain sobriety after completing treatment

For more information about naltrexone treatment, or to find treatment for drug or alcohol addiction near you, you can contact the Substance Abuse or Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or browse our directory.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff