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Generic Name: naltrexone (oral) (nal TREX own)
Brand Name: ReVia

What is ReVia (naltrexone)?


Naltrexone is used to prevent relapse in people who became dependent on opioid medicine and then stopped using it. Naltrexone can help keep you from feeling a "need" to use the opioid.

Naltrexone is also used to treat alcoholism by reducing your urge to drink alcohol. This may help you drink less or stop drinking completely. Naltrexone will not cause you to "sober up" and will not decrease the effects of alcohol you recently consumed.

Naltrexone is not a cure for drug addiction or alcoholism.


What is the most important information I should know about ReVia (naltrexone)?

You should not use naltrexone if you are having drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or if you have taken any opioid medicine within the past 2 weeks.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking ReVia (naltrexone)?

Do not take naltrexone if you still use opioid medicine, or you could have sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms.

You should not use naltrexone if you are allergic to it, or if:

  • you are having withdrawal symptoms from drug or alcohol addiction;

  • you have used any opioid medicine within the past 10 days (including fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin, and many others); or

  • you have used methadone or buprenorphine (Subutex, Butrans, Suboxone, Zubsolv) in the past 14 days.

To make sure naltrexone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease; or

  • a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder such as hemophilia.



Naltrexone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use ReVia (naltrexone)?


Your doctor may recommend that naltrexone be given to you by a family member or other caregiver. This is to make sure you are using the medicine as it was prescribed as part of your treatment.

Take the naltrexone tablet with a full glass of water.

Naltrexone may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.

Use naltrexone regularly to get the most benefit.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you use naltrexone. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using this medicine. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking naltrexone.

Naltrexone is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include additional forms of counseling and/or monitoring. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.


After taking naltrexone, your body will be more sensitive to opioids. If you use an opioid medicine in the future, you will need to use less than before naltrexone treatment. Using the same amount you used before could lead to overdose or death.

What happens if I miss a dose?


What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. If you have opioid medicine in your system, an overdose of naltrexone could stimulate opioid withdrawal symptoms.

What should I avoid while using ReVia (naltrexone)?

Do not use narcotic medication, heroin, or other street drugs while you are taking naltrexone. Never try to overcome the effects of naltrexone by taking large doses of opioids. Doing so could result in dangerous effects, including coma and death.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking naltrexone.

Ask your doctor before using any medicine to treat a cold, cough, diarrhea, or pain. These medicines may contain narcotics or alcohol.


ReVia (naltrexone) side effects



Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

  • mood changes, confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things);

  • depression, thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself; or


Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

  • feeling anxious or nervous;

  • sleep problems (insomnia); or

  • muscle or joint aches.


See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect ReVia (naltrexone)?

Naltrexone will block the effects of any narcotic medicines you take (such as prescription medicine for pain, cough, or diarrhea). Harmful side effects could also occur.


Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about naltrexone.


Date modified: October 14, 2016
Last reviewed: August 19, 2015