Naltrexone is primarily used for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD), helping to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and support abstinence by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol on the brain[3][5][7]. Naltrexone is available in oral and injectable forms for these FDA-approved indications.
The medication is also prescribed “off-label” at low doses—referred to as low-dose naltrexone (LDN)—for a variety of other conditions. These include chronic pain syndromes (such as fibromyalgia), some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis), chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s disease, post-COVID syndrome, and even some dermatologic and neurological conditions[1][2][8]. Clinical evidence is strongest for LDN’s use in fibromyalgia and certain autoimmune disorders, though further research is ongoing.
Naltrexone has also been studied for use in managing compulsive disorders (e.g., trichotillomania, autism-related self-injurious behavior), but the results have been mixed and its use for these conditions remains investigational[6]. While there is some exploration of naltrexone as an adjunct for weight loss and in the management of specific compulsive or behavioral disorders, these uses are not considered standard and are still being evaluated by the medical community[4][6].
References
- [1] Low-Dose Naltrexone: A Future Gold Medalist?
- [2] Off-Label Uses of Low-Dose Naltrexone
- [3] Naltrexone (Revia) – Uses, Side Effects, and More
- [4] Naltrexone: Weight Loss Side Effects and Off-Label Uses
- [5] What is Naltrexone? Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Risk
- [6] Off-label use of naltrexone for compulsive behavior in
- [7] Naltrexone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings
- [8] An Update on the Off-Label Uses of Low-Dose Naltrexone