What is Revia?
What is Revia? Revia (naltrexone hydrochloride) is an opioid antagonist drug that is available in tablet form. It completely blocks the effects of intravenously administered opioids. When consistently administered together with morphine, Revia can block the physical dependence of morphine, heroin and other opioid drugs. The Revia drug will stop the withdrawal symptoms of these drugs, and has also been found to reduce alcohol consumption.
Revia Uses
The Revia drug is used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid addiction and other conditions, and is part of a total treatment program. What is Revia and how does it help those who are addicted to alcohol? Many recovered alcoholics will relapse at some time after receiving addiction treatment, but for most, the relapse is a temporary setback. For others, the relapse will become a full-blown addiction once again, and cause devastating effects on the drinker’s health and life. The Revia drug has been shown to help prevent an alcoholic relapse. Revia blocks the euphoric effects that are created by opioid drugs and alcohol, and can be administered at home or at a drug treatment center. According to the National Institute of Health, the Revia drug can be of help to anyone who meets the following criteria:
- You are actively engaging in individual counseling and group therapy.
- You have a reliable system to help you remember to take Revia.
- You have stopped using alcohol or narcotics for one week to 10 days.
- You are committed to staying sober.
- You are not pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You have no allergies or medical conditions to prevent you from taking Naltrexone or Revia.
For the Revia drug to be effective, it must be taken as prescribed. The drug is easy to take in tablet form, but if you are in the midst of addiction recovery you may become distracted and forget to take Revia. If you are having difficulty remembering to take the drug, have a reliable friend, sponsor or therapist assist you in remembering. Together you may be able to come up with a system to help keep you on track. As an important part of your addiction treatment recovery, Revia will help you stay sober.
Revia Effects
As with any drug, Revia can have adverse effects when it is abused. Taking the drug with alcohol or other drugs can cause dangerous health complications. Some of the Revia side effects are:
- Fatigue, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, increased blood pressure
- Confusion, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, nervousness,
- Increased thirst, dry mouth, headache, shaking, nosebleeds, phlebitis
- Vision and sleep problems, abdominal pain and cramps, cold symptoms, jaundice
- Severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, weight changes, dark urine, white bowel movements
- Liver damage, dizziness, hearing problems, narcotic withdrawal, suicidal thoughts or acts
Revia is not a panacea, but it will help to reduce the desire to drink. The patient will still have to learn how to effectively manage stress, pain and strong emotions that may be triggers to their drinking problem. Revia side effects can be exacerbated if the drug is taken with alcohol, and the patient can experience liver damage. If Revia is taken in excess, the patient can experience extreme withdrawal symptoms and will require immediate medical attention.
Revia also helps former opioid drug addicts remain free from their addiction. Revia binds to opioid receptors in the brain and body, and blocks the effects of opioid drugs. It will help the recovering opioid addict feel physically and mentally stable without the effects of the opioid drugs he was addicted to. This aids in keeping the patient from relapsing. Recovering opioid addicts should also receive individual counseling, group therapy, and behavioral therapy, relapse prevention treatment and participate in aftercare programs.
When taken properly, Revia can be a great aid in overcoming drug or alcohol addiction, and is a welcome part of addiction recovery treatment.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.