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As more people search for medications to help with weight loss, naltrexone has gained some attention as a possible weight loss aid. However, naltrexone on its own is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or intended as a weight loss medication.
Some people may notice a small amount of weight loss while taking naltrexone, while others may not notice any weight changes. Everyone’s experience is different. This article covers what naltrexone is used for, what its possible side effects are, and when to talk to your doctor about the treatment.
Naltrexone is approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain, especially mu-opioid receptors. This blocks the feel-good effects of opioids and can help reduce cravings.
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Naltrexone also affects the brain’s reward system, including the activity of endorphins and dopamine. By blocking the effects of endorphins, naltrexone can help reduce alcohol cravings. These effects may also reduce appetite in some people.
However, naltrexone on its own is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Its approved uses are treating opioid and alcohol use disorders, not helping people lose weight.
That said, naltrexone can play a role in weight management when combined with another medication called bupropion. A combination of naltrexone and bupropion is FDA-approved for long-term weight management in certain adults. The combination works in the brain to help reduce appetite and food cravings.
Can Naltrexone Cause Weight Loss?Naltrexone, on its own, isn’t meant to help people lose or maintain weight. However, some people may lose a small amount of weight due to side effects like nausea or vomiting, which can make it harder to eat as much as you usually do.
Researchers have found that weight loss with naltrexone alone is usually small and not clinically significant. People may lose a little weight, but naltrexone alone isn’t considered an effective weight loss treatment.
Although it’s uncommon, some people may gain weight while taking naltrexone. Weight gain may be related to changes that happen during recovery, such as improved appetite or changes in eating habits and physical activity level. For example, people recovering from alcohol use disorder may consume more calories from food as they drink less alcohol.
Everyone’s experience with naltrexone is different. Weight loss isn’t the goal of naltrexone treatment. The main goal is to help support recovery from opioid or alcohol use disorder.
Some people may eat less while taking naltrexone because the medication may make certain foods less appealing. Others may eat less because of side effects like nausea or vomiting. Although naltrexone may reduce appetite in some people, it isn’t approved as an appetite suppressant.
Changes in appetite or food cravings may also be related to recovery from opioids or alcohol use. Recovery can affect eating habits and appetite.
Appetite suppressants, such as phentermine and phentermine plus topiramate, work differently from naltrexone. These medications work by affecting signals in the brain that control appetite. This can help you feel less hungry and eat fewer calories.
Another weight loss medication, orlistat, doesn’t work on the brain or food cravings. Instead, it blocks some of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your intestines. This reduces the number of calories your body absorbs.
Newer weight loss medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, also work differently from naltrexone. They mimic natural hormones involved in appetite and digestion, helping you feel full longer. They also slow how quickly you digest food.
When naltrexone is combined with bupropion, the two medications work together on the brain’s pathways involved in appetite and reward. This can help reduce appetite and food cravings. Naltrexone alone generally has little effect on weight loss.
Can You Take Weight Loss Medications With Naltrexone? Some people taking naltrexone may wonder if they can also use other weight loss medications. The answer depends on your overall health, other medical conditions, and the specific weight loss medication.
Don’t take naltrexone plus bupropion while you’re already taking naltrexone unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Always tell your healthcare provider that you’re taking naltrexone because it can interact with other medications.
Like all medications, naltrexone can cause side effects. Many are mild and may improve as your body adjusts to treatment. Possible side effects include:
Before starting naltrexone, you need to be opioid-free for a period of time determined by your healthcare provider. If you’re physically dependent on opioids, starting naltrexone while opioids are still in your body can cause sudden and potentially severe opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating.
If naltrexone side effects become severe or bothersome, contact your healthcare provider. Never stop naltrexone on your own. After stopping naltrexone, your tolerance to opioids may be lower, which can increase the risk of overdose if you return to opioid use.
When Should You Talk With Your Healthcare Provider? It’s important to know the warning signs to look for while on naltrexone. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have:
Some of these symptoms may be signs of serious side effects that require medical attention. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider about whether naltrexone is right for you.
Also tell your healthcare provider if you want help managing your weight. Don’t stop naltrexone on your own. Your healthcare provider may check for other possible causes of weight changes, including:
If your weight is affecting your health or everyday life, your healthcare provider can help you develop a safe weight management plan while keeping your recovery on track.
On MyOpioidRecoveryTeam, people share their experiences with opioid use disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you noticed weight loss with naltrexone? Let others know in the comments below.
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