Methadone and naltrexone medication drugs are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to alcohol, heroin, or other narcotic drugs. However, they differ in the other conditions they help to treat. In choosing which one of these medications is best for you, a healthcare provider will consider your age, symptoms, and medical history, we will discuss Naltrexone vs Methadone both medicines.
Withdrawal symptoms, especially of alcohol or other narcotic drugs are quite challenging, and for some people, they are a daily occurrence. Ongoing symptoms affect an individual’s ability to function at home, school, or work. Treating it usually involves therapies and antidepressant medications. Two commonly prescribed drugs are methadone and naltrexone. These medicines are somewhat similar, but not exactly alike.
Comparison Between Naltrexone & Methadone
Methadone
Methadone is a generic medication used for reducing withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs. It is a prescription-only medicine and must not be used before consulting a healthcare expert.
It belongs to a class of drugs called Opioids (narcotic analgesics). Methadone acts by activating the opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system. It is also available in brand-name variants known as Dolophine, Methadose, Diskets, etc. This medicine has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a generic medicine used for treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It is a prescription-only medicine and must only be used after consultation with a healthcare professional.
It belongs to a class of drugs known as Opioids (narcotic analgesics). Naltrexone acts by blocking the effects of alcohol and opioid medications, preventing the euphoria and intoxication these substances cause. It is also available in branded variants like Vivitrol etc. This medicine has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.
Uses
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug used to minimize withdrawal symptoms in patients addicted to heroin or narcotic drugs. It may also be used as a painkiller. This medication must only be used to treat pain when it is severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment.
This is a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance drug and is only available through approved opioid treatment programs that involve regular monitoring, counseling, and drug testing to make sure that the individuals are making progress in their recovery when used for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is used to manage opioid dependence by blocking the effects of opioids
Naltrexone can also be prescribed to individuals with alcohol use disorder. It helps reduce the craving for alcohol by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol in the brain. This can aid in maintaining abstinence or reducing alcohol consumption.
Beyond its specific indications for opioid and alcohol use disorders, naltrexone is sometimes used off-label to reduce cravings associated with other addictive behaviors or substances, such as gambling disorders or stimulant use.
Doses & Dosages (Naltrexone vs Methadone)
Methadone
Methadone is available in different forms such as injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral concentrate, oral solution, oral tablet/capsule, and dispersible, and has different dosage strengths. These strengths are as follows:
• 5 mg
• 10 mg/ml
• 40 mg
• 5 mg/5 ml
• 10 mg/5 ml
• 1 mg/ml-NaCl 0.9%
• 5 mg/ml-NaCl 0.9%
It is not recommended for patients to increase or decrease the dosage strength without the prescription of a healthcare professional. This medicine has a narrow therapeutic index, especially when combined with other drugs.
A doctor must monitor the patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of therapy.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is available in different forms like oral tablets and extended-release injectable forms and has different dosage strengths. These are as follows:
Oral Tablets
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Extended-release injectable
- The extended-release injectable form of naltrexone is typically administered as a 380 mg intramuscular injection once every 4 weeks.
Color
Methadone
Methadone tablets come in various colors, depending on the manufacturer and dosage strength. The most common colors include:
• White
• Orange
• Green
• Blue
It is crucial to know that the color of methadone tablets may vary. Always rely on the markings on the tablets, as well as the packaging, to make sure that you have the right medicine and dosage strength.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone comes in various colors, depending on the manufacturer and dosage strength. The most common colors include:
1. Oral Tablets
- White
- Off-white
- Pale yellow
2. Extended-Release Injectable
The liquid suspension used for Naltrexone injections is typically a white to off-white color.
Side Effects
Both these medicines are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to alcohol, heroin, or other narcotic drugs and belong to the same class of drugs. In spite of this, a few side effects may vary between both drugs.
Methadone
Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Headache
- Changes in libido
- Weight gain
Severe side effects include:
- Respiratory depression
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty urinating
- Mental health issues
Naltrexone
Common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Muscle or joint pain
Severe side effects include:
- Liver problems
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Depression or mood changes
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Withdrawal from opioids
- Injection site reactions
Precautions
Before using methadone and naltrexone, talk to a licensed medical healthcare professional if you experience signs of allergic reactions when taking these medicines. They may contain a few inactive ingredients that might cause some allergic reactions or some other serious side effects.
Before using these drugs, talk to a doctor if you have any of the following medical history, such as:
• Breathing problems
• Brain disorders
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
Liquid products might consist of sugar and alcohol. Caution is advised in case one suffers from diabetes, alcohol dependence, or any other condition. Consult a healthcare provider about using the medications safely.
These medicines might cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely result in serious irregular heartbeat and other adverse complications that might need medical attention right away.
Methadone and naltrexone can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, avoid consumption of alcohol or marijuana while you are taking these medication drugs as it could lead to adverse effects.
