The use of Naltrexone in opioid dependence is in which phase of treatment?
Naltrexone is a long acting opioid antagonist. It is used in patients of opioid dependence for detoxification and withdrawal. It discourages substance seeking behaviour and thus prevents relapse. It can cause withdrawal symptoms in addicts due to blockage of opioid receptors. Ref: Kaplan & Sadock Synopsis of Psychiatry 9th Edition, Page 1082-87, 448-456; A sho textbook of Psychiatry by Neraj Ahuja 5th Edition, Page 45-48; Essentials of Pharmacology by K D Tripathi 5th Edition, Page 425; Shoer Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry 5th Edition, Page 358-361
Prevent respiratory depression
To treat withdrawal symptom
To prevent relapse
To treat overdose of opioid