Naloxone had a magical effect on me at first, as it completely relieved my pain and gave me the relief I was looking for. But I did not realize that it had another side that appeared after a period of using it, as I fell into the trap of addiction and became a prisoner of a dose of it. Not only that, but it caused me serious health risks that completely destroyed my life, and I only escaped from it through addiction treatment. In the following article, Dalili Medical, we will review in detail the risks of naloxone addiction and the available treatment methods.
Yes, naloxone injections are classified as Schedule I drugs due to the risk of addiction associated with them. Therefore, they are prohibited from being dispensed from pharmacies except with an accurate and stamped prescription from a doctor, in order to avoid any misuse.
Naloxone is an opioid analgesic that contains the active ingredient Nalbuphine, which slows down the transmission of nerve signals responsible for pain between the brain centers, which leads to a reduction in the response to pain and the body entering a state of complete anesthesia and calm. In addition, the drug enhances the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, which causes a feeling of euphoria and deep relaxation. Despite its many benefits, Naloxone is considered a dangerous drug that should only be taken under medical supervision and in specific doses.
Yes, Naloxone addiction can be treated by engaging in an addiction treatment and detoxification program, available in psychiatric hospitals and addiction treatment centers.
It is absolutely not allowed to use this drug during pregnancy or lactation, as it may pose a risk to the health of individuals in general. The body needs special care and additional support during pregnancy and lactation, so this drug is prohibited for pregnant women because it may cause harm to the fetus. It is also prohibited to use it during breastfeeding because it may pass through milk to the infant, which may lead to serious health problems.
Yes, taking this medicine for a long time may negatively affect the nerves, which in turn may affect sexual relations, especially in men. Its effect also depends on the duration of use of the medicine.
Naloxone is considered a pain reliever and narcotic, and it is a drug and not among the schedule drugs. However, it has an effect similar to the effect of opioids.
Injections are the most common way to take Naloxone.
** Naloxone drug doses:**
Naloxone is taken according to doses that vary based on the patient's weight and the purpose of using the painkiller, including the following:
1. ** Doses of the drug as a pain reliever:** Naloxone is available in the form of ampoules that are injected intravenously or intramuscularly, at a dose of 10 mg per 70 kg per day. The doctor may repeat the doses approximately every 3 hours as needed, depending on the health condition, severity of pain, and other medications the patient is taking, with the necessity of not exceeding the dose of 160 mg.
2. **Additional drug doses for anesthesia:** When using naloxone as a supplement to anesthesia before surgical operations, it is injected at a dose ranging from 0.03 to 3 mg per kilogram over 15 minutes.
- **Anesthesia dose for adults:**
- Initial dose: 0.3 to 3 mg per kilogram intravenously for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Maintenance dose: 0.25 to 0.5 mg per kilogram in individual IV administrations as needed.
- **Pain relief dose for adults:**
- Initial dose: 10 mg intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously every 3 to 6 hours as needed.
- Maximum single dose: 20 mg.
- Maximum daily dose: 160 mg.
**Indications for use of Naloxone:**
Naloxone is mainly used in:
1. **Pain relief:** In cases of severe pain that require the use of opioid analgesics, the doctor prescribes Naloxone to relieve the severity of the pain.
2. **Surgical anesthesia:** Doctors can use Naloxone in anesthesia during surgical operations, either before or after the procedure, especially in cases of childbirth.
**Duration of Naloxone exiting the body:**
The duration of Naloxone exiting the body varies from one person to another based on several factors, including:
- **Doses taken:** The more doses of Naloxone a person takes, the longer it takes for it to exit the body.
- **Duration of use:** The longer the period of taking Naloxone, the longer it takes for it to exit the body.
- **Health status of the liver and kidneys:** Any health problems in the liver or kidneys may lead to an increase in the time required for Naloxone to exit the body.
**Person's weight** Increased body weight means that naloxone takes longer to get rid of its effect in the body.
**Person's age** Older people take longer to get rid of naloxone than younger people.
**Taking other drugs with naloxone** When taking other drugs with naloxone, the time it takes for the body to get rid of naloxone doubles.
It takes about a week for naloxone to get rid of the body after the last dose.
Naloxone can be detected in the blood for up to 5 days after the last dose.
**Side effects of naloxone**:
When taking naloxone, you may start to notice some side effects associated with this opioid drug, which are manifested in a group of physical symptoms, including:
1. **Extreme drowsiness**: Taking naloxone causes a strong feeling of drowsiness, as a result of its calming effect on the body's functions and nervous system.
2. **Dizziness and vertigo**: Naloxone can cause dizziness and vertigo, and may even lead to fainting, especially when suddenly changing the body position from sitting to standing, due to low blood pressure.
3. **Nausea and vomiting**: As with most opioids, taking naloxone can cause stomach upset, causing a persistent feeling of nausea and the urge to vomit.
5** Blurred vision: Using naloxone can cause blurred vision, and sometimes double vision. Therefore, doctors advise avoiding driving or using sharp machinery during the period of use.
5. **Low heart rate**: When taking naloxone, you may feel a noticeable decrease in heart rate as a result of slowing down the activity of the heart muscle and lowering the blood pressure that reaches it.
6. **Mood disturbance**: Although the initial effect of naloxone causes a general feeling of calm and relaxation, it can sometimes lead to a feeling of extreme nervousness as a result of the drug’s effect wearing off and the body’s urgent desire to obtain it.
**The most dangerous side effects of naloxone**:
When using naloxone without medical supervision, you can be exposed to serious health risks, up to addiction and the emergence of serious mental disorders. The most prominent of these risks are:
1. **Addiction**: Naloxone is an opiate, so taking it in high doses and for long periods of time leads to the body's dependence on it as a source of secreting happiness hormones. When the body stops getting it, its functions fail to work normally, making you unable to stop using it, as you will face severe withdrawal symptoms that push you to return to it, which is known as addiction.
2. **Weak memory and concentration**: Naloxone affects the speed of transmission of nerve signals between brain centers, including memory and attention centers, leading to a significant weakness in their functions. This negatively affects your performance at work and social life.
3. Severe depression: The happiness you felt at the beginning of the period of taking the drug fades away, turning into severe depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts as a result of the drug's effect in your body ending.
4. Severe shortness of breath: You will feel severe shortness of breath due to weak lung and respiratory functions.
5. Damage to liver and kidney functions: The effect of naloxone on the kidneys and liver is very dangerous, as continued use leads to complete damage to general functions, causing the kidneys to be unable to get rid of toxins, leading to kidney failure. As for the liver, it may cause fat accumulation in it and increase the risk of infection with hepatitis C if injections are exchanged with people carrying this virus.
6. Heart attacks: Using the drug can lead to narrowing of blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
7. Auditory and visual hallucinations: Naloxone will not leave your mental health unaffected, as you may become more susceptible to auditory and visual hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing unreal people, as a result of the severe disturbance in serotonin levels in the body.
Effect of Naloxone on the Kidneys:
The kidneys are primarily responsible for getting rid of this drug, so patients with chronic kidney disease may experience serious side effects, such as poisoning or kidney failure in some cases.
**Damages of Naloxone Addiction**
Naloxone addiction causes many physical, psychological and social damages that the addict suffers from throughout the period of his use, especially if he does not rush to seek treatment. Here are the most prominent damages resulting from Naloxone addiction:
**First: Physical damages of Naloxone addiction**
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Feeling tired and exhausted.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Redness of the face and arms.
- Lips and nails turning blue.
**Second: Psychological damages of Naloxone addiction**
- Depression.
- Anxiety and tension.
- Excessive fear.
- Hallucinations and delusions.
- Seizures and convulsions.
- Nervousness and aggression.
**Third: Social damages of naloxone addiction**
- Unemployment and separation.
- Desire for isolation.
- Loss of social relationships.
- Inability to work or study.
- Exposure to accidents or committing crimes.
**Symptoms of naloxone abuse:**
The most prominent symptoms of naloxone abuse include the following:
- Severe dizziness.
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Profuse sweating.
- Dry mouth.
- Constant headache.
**Damages of naloxone addiction:**
When addicted to naloxone, a person suffers from a range of physical and psychological damages, including:
- Severe chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Frequent fainting spells.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Redness of the face and arms.
- Auditory or visual hallucinations.
- Blue discoloration of the lips and nails.
- Severe convulsions.
- A constant feeling of fear.
- Increased nervousness
**Symptoms of Naloxone Overdose**
The doctor determines the appropriate dose of Naloxone based on the patient's condition. However, in cases of drug addiction, a person may seek to take an overdose of Naloxone to meet his body's needs. The person shows several symptoms, including:
- Slow breathing.
- Low heart rate.
- Extreme drowsiness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Low temperature.
- Sudden fainting.
Using Naloxone during pregnancy or at birth can cause withdrawal symptoms in the fetus after birth, which poses a great risk. Children who are dependent on opioids may need medical treatment that lasts for weeks. Naloxone can also pass to the baby through breast milk during breastfeeding, which may cause shortness of breath and drowsiness. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using it completely during breastfeeding.
*Naloxone Alternatives**
There are many alternatives to Naloxone, some of which contain the same active ingredient, while others contain different active ingredients but are used for similar purposes. Here is a list of these alternatives:
**First: Naloxone alternatives that contain the same active ingredient:**
- Ambufen
-Nalbuphine
- Nalocime
- Nalbuphine
- Nalfine
- Nalbuphine
- Nupine
**Second: Naloxone alternatives that are used for similar purposes but contain different active ingredients:**
- Fifa
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl
- Fentador
- Abstral
- Advanopin
- MST
- Jornesta
- Durogesc
- Fentamate Sandoz
- Morphine Sulfate
**Contraindications and precautions for Naloxone**
This medicine is prohibited for use by individuals who are allergic to it or to any of its components. It is also prohibited for people who suffer from breathing difficulties. Individuals who take antidepressants or antifungal medications are also prohibited from using it. In addition, the drug is prohibited for people suffering from a brain infection or brain tumor. It is prohibited for people suffering from asthma, and it is prohibited to take it while driving. Pregnant and lactating women are prohibited from using it, and alcohol should be avoided during the treatment period. It is not recommended for people with kidney or liver health problems.
**Tips and warnings when using Naloxone**:
When starting to use Naloxone, it is necessary to adhere to medical advice and warnings carefully to ensure maximum benefit and avoid potential risks.
1. Tips:
- Naloxone should be taken under the supervision of a specialized medical specialist.
- Adhere to the doses determined by the doctor and do not modify them individually.
2. Warnings:
- Naloxone should not be taken if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Naloxone is not recommended if you suffer from asthma, breathing problems, stomach disorders, or high or low blood pressure.
- Naloxone should be avoided with antidepressants or any sedatives such as benzodiazepines, to avoid increasing their effect and the risk of overdose.
- It is strictly forbidden to take drugs or alcohol while using Naloxone.
**Can Naloxone addiction treatment at home be considered an alternative to treatment in a clinic?**
Drug addiction has never been easy, and the serious risks it entails that affect your life require specialized medical care that cannot be provided at home. Therefore, quitting Naloxone use in a clinic becomes necessary, and home cannot be considered a suitable alternative. On the contrary, home treatment may lead to significant risks that may fail the treatment process and put your life at risk, for the following reasons:
1. The withdrawal symptoms treatment stage requires close medical supervision, especially when facing bouts of agitation and depression, which cannot be achieved at home.
2. At home, there is no security system to prevent you from accessing the drug, which increases the risk of relapse.
3. You remain in the same environment that encouraged you to use, making it easier for you to be exposed to stimuli such as places, friends, and images of drugs, which makes it more difficult to resist the urge to use.
4. The confidentiality of your treatment may be at risk, as it is difficult to hide your addiction from others, especially with people from outside visiting you, which may lead to social ostracism and bad reputation.
5. At home, you lack a supportive community that includes other people who share your journey and encourage you to treat, which makes you feel very lonely and bored.
To reduce Naloxone properly, it is recommended to contact your doctor and inform him of your current doses, as he can develop an appropriate medication plan to withdraw Naloxone in a scientific and safe way. You can follow the following steps to reduce Naloxone from your body:
1. Reduce the daily dose by a quarter. For example, if you are taking 50 mg per day, you can reduce it to 35 mg.
2. Continue on this dose for a week, then reduce it again by a quarter.
3. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms or physical pain, you can take non-opioid painkillers such as paracetamol.
4. Try to include fiber and protein-rich foods in your diet, in addition to eating vegetables and fruits.
5. Drinking fluids and water helps flush out naloxone toxins from the body.
6. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms or suicidal thoughts during the tapering period, you should inform your doctor immediately.
Dealing with a naloxone addict requires providing love and support, while avoiding blaming him for what happened. Here are some recommended behaviors to follow:
1. **Start providing help immediately**: Don't wait for the addict to ask for help, especially if he is experiencing serious personal or professional problems.
2. **Consult a specialist**: Talk to a psychological counselor or a doctor specializing in addiction treatment for support and advice.
3. **Gather information**: Provide information that explains the addict's health condition, such as the number of times he used the drug, the amount of doses, and the duration of use.
4. **Take care of yourself**: Maintain your physical and mental health, as this will enable you to provide the best support to the addict.
5. **Set healthy boundaries**: Do not hesitate to set boundaries to protect other family members, as well as to protect your money and property.
6. **Communicate with the addict**: Try to get close to him and give him a sense of trust, and express your concern about his condition.
7. **Choose the right time to talk**: Talk to him when he is awake, so that he can understand you and listen to you clearly.
8. **Be patient**: Deal with him patiently and help him find appropriate treatment.
9. **Commit to treatment**: Follow medical instructions regarding medications that may be prescribed to relieve withdrawal symptoms, as some medications are part of the treatment protocol depending on the condition of each patient.
Attempts to stop Naloxone addiction on your own will not be effective, as it is not only about desire, but about the ability to change. So, you need medical help and a comprehensive treatment plan for opium addiction that consists of three main stages:
1. **Medical examination and accurate diagnosis:** In the first stage, you will undergo a comprehensive medical examination that includes various tests such as (drug analysis, blood count, and liver function test).
Bad and kidney). Based on the results of these tests, a medication program will be developed that suits your health condition.
2. **Painless Naloxone Detoxification:** After stopping use, Naloxone withdrawal symptoms will appear within 6 hours, which include (strong craving for the drug, agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, runny eyes and nose, vomiting and nausea, diarrhea, and body tremors). However, thanks to the appropriate medication protocol, you can overcome these symptoms without feeling any pain.
3. **Psychotherapy and Behavioral Rehabilitation:** The above represents only 30% of the treatment, while the remaining and most important 70% is related to psychotherapy and behavioral rehabilitation. This part aims to change your lifestyle and teach you how to live normally without relying on drugs, by addressing the reasons that led to your addiction through psychotherapy sessions.