Revia (Naltrexone) is an RX medication used to treat opioid addiction and alcohol dependence. It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, stopping the affects of opioids, including respiratory depression, miosis, euphoria, and drug craving. For alcohol dependence, it blocks the action of the opioid peptide dynorphin, which usually instates drug seeking behaviour when it binds to the kappa-opioid receptor. Do not take Revia if you still use opioid medication, or you have sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms. You should not use Revia if you are allergic to it, if you are having withdrawal symptoms from drug or alcohol addiction, if you have used opioid medication within the past 10 days, or if you have used methadone or buprenorphine in the past 14 days. To make sure Revia is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder such as hemophilia. It is unknown if Revia will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Revia can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medication.
Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness, feeling anxious or nervous, insomnia, or muscle or joint aches. Call your doctor at once if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, mood changes, confusion, or hallucinations, depression or thoughts of suicide, or signs of liver problems, which can include nausea, stomach pain, itching, drowsiness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin of eyes). If you experience any serious side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.
Revia Availability
Big Mountain Drugs currently offers Revia manufactured by Teva in Canada and Bristol-Myers Squibb in Australia. The generic Naltrexone is available from Canada by a different manufacturer. Revia is available in the strength of 50 mg tablets.