Naltrexone Dosage for Weight Loss - Talk to Your Doctor

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 3 years ago · 4 min read

If you are considering a Naltrexone dosage for weight loss, you may have questions for your doctor. Read on to learn more about Naltrexone and how to start a conversation about it with your doctor.

How It Works

A Naltrexone dosage works by binding to your opioid receptors to keep you from feeling pleasure from eating. Typically when you think of opioids, you are thinking of morphine, heroin, and codeine. But Naltrexone works for weight loss because it blocks naturally occurring opioids, such as endorphins. It belongs to a class of medications known as opioid antagonists. Remember not to confuse this medication with Narcan, which strips opioids from receptors after an overdose.

Its Benefits

The professionals at Nu Image Medical use a Naltrexone dosage in their weight loss program because it blocks the feelings of pleasure you get from eating. It also helps by reducing cravings. Aside from these intended benefits, Naltrexone has very few side-effects. 

Naltrexone is also a great option because it does not cause dependence. Your body will not learn to tolerate it if you take it for a long time. Therefore, you can take these pills for a long time and keep working to lose weight. Plus, generic versions are available to keep you from breaking the bank. 

Its Uses

Typically a Naltrexone dosage would be given to people suffering from opioid addiction because it is part of the class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. In other words, it works to prevent the euphoric feeling people get from taking opioids. It also prevents opioid cravings.

This medication is also popular in weight loss programs because it can curb cravings and help people lose weight. Also, it prevents people from feeling endorphins when they eat.

How to Take It

A typical Naltrexone dosage is taken once daily by mouth. This pill may also be part of a combination weight loss program, such as the one at Nu Image Medical. In either case, you must take your medication as prescribed. These pills should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. This medication only works when you take it regularly. Because of this, you may want to take it at the same time every day, so you do not forget. 

Your dosage will consider your medical condition and response to the medication. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and gradually raise it. Just remember to take the amount your doctor prescribes. Do not increase your dosage, take pills more frequently, or stop taking Naltrexone on your own. 

Normal Dosage

A typical dosage is one tablet per day, although your doctor may alter this. Do not take more than your doctor prescribes.

The Response and Effectiveness

The amount of medication will peak about an hour after you take your Naltrexone dosage. How long it is in your system will depend on the amount you take. Generally, higher doses will stay in your system longer, so you won't have to take pills as often. 

How Long You Can Take It

Weight loss is not an easy journey and it could take six months to a year before you are comfortable with your weight. Successfully losing weight may also include some lifestyle changes. For instance, you may want to speak to a counselor. This can help you stay on your weight loss journey and avoid stress eating. 

Don’t Panic if You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose, simply take it when you remember, unless it is close to the time of your next dose. Never double your next dose or take more than is prescribed. 

How You Will Feel on These Pills

Unless you experience a side effect, you will not feel any different when taking these pills. Naltrexone does not produce a euphoric feeling and is not addictive. 

You Can Still Take Other Medications

Other than pain pills, Naltrexone will not interfere with your medications. It is often used in weight loss treatments with more than one medication. However, just remember to give your doctor a list of medications you take before they prescribe you Naltrexone. 

Before Your Visit

To prepare for your visit, practice saying Naltrexone out loud. This might sound silly, but it can be a tough word to pronounce and you don't want to stumble on it when you are talking to your doctor. 

You should also locate a compounding pharmacy before your visit. This is often an objection doctors have to this medication. But, if you do your homework, you can find your local compounding pharmacy that offers Naltrexone. 

Also, make sure that you have a nice new folder. Then, you should print off the answers to some frequently asked questions about Naltrexone and put it in your folder. This should be assembled from many different sources. This should be streamlined and focus on the facts. Make sure that you do not put emotional quotes about how effective Naltrexone is. Remember, your doctor does not want to hear you call something a miracle drug. Make sure you familiarize yourself with everything you have written down. Be ready to answer your doctor's questions. Don't include other materials in the folder. A FAQ page will be enough for a busy doctor to absorb in one appointment. Plus, most doctors will recoil from a large stack of papers. 

During Your Visit

Remember to play it cool during your visit. Do not call Naltrexone a miracle drug. Don't volunteer all of your information. Let your doctor be the smart one. Just nod a lot and listen to what they have to say. You have to keep in mind that most doctors are unaware that this is used for weight loss. Some doctors might think you are asking for a different medication. If they dismiss you outright, make sure they understand what you are talking about. 

You should also try to appear as healthy as possible without lying about your symptoms. Just don't complain about them. A doctor is more likely to prescribe something that is intended for something else if they think you are relatively healthy. Instead, focus on presenting the information in your folder a little at a time. 

Talking to Your Doctor

All doctors are different, so there is no guarantee that a certain approach will work. However, there is a basic approach you can try. You should research all your available options. This can lead you to other options outside the typical pamphlets and help you understand more about potential medications. Take your time and familiarize yourself with your options.

Then, put together your folder that you will present to your doctor at your next appointment. Remember, this is for a doctor. You should tailor it to someone with a medical degree while avoiding using medical terms. During your appointment, discuss your findings, present your folder, and listen to what your doctor has to say. 

Naltrexone may not be right for everyone. However, it is generally a great option for those who want to curb their cravings and lose weight. Make sure you have a thorough conversation with your doctor before taking this medication. Always remember to take it safely. See your doctor today to get started on your weight loss journey. 

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.