Should naltrexone be taken daily? Or only when drinking? What’s most effective? When should I
take naltrexone?
These are some of the questions asked most commonly by Oar Health members. The answer is that naltrexone is a remarkably
flexible medication that people trying to drink less or quit can use in several ways to achieve their goals.
Daily use is the best studied approach to oral naltrexone. Daily use has been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce heavy drinking days and cravings for alcohol. People who take naltrexone daily can take it at the same time that they take other daily medications, as part of their morning or evening routine, with a meal, or 60-90 minutes before the time of day when they typically start drinking if that is predictable.
There is also evidence to suggest that targeted use is effective. A
recent study found that taking naltrexone before an anticipated period of heavy drinking reduced binges.
The Sinclair Method is a popular form of targeted use in which people take naltrexone at least 60 minutes before their first drink and not at all on days they do not drink.
Finally,
Vivitrol provides an extended-release formulation of naltrexone that is injected once per month by a healthcare professional.
At Oar Health, we’ve helped thousands of people get started with naltrexone. About two thirds report that they are often or always meeting their goal to drink less or quit. This success rate is nearly
identical between those using naltrexone every day and those pursuing targeted use, such as The Sinclair Method.
We encourage every Oar Health member to find the approach that works best for them, informed by their goals, drinking patterns, and the medication that’s most practical for them to stick with consistently. It’s a decision best made in consultation with an expert, and the clinicians and coaches available through the Oar Health platform can help.
We believe in empowering every person who wants to change their relationship with alcohol with the tools and approaches that work for them — including their approach to taking naltrexone.