Safely Get Naltrexone Online to Stop Drinking
Ian Landau
Nov 06, 2023
In This Article
- Get Started
- Is naltrexone over-the-counter?
- Understanding Naltrexone
- Does naltrexone require a prescription?
- Who can prescribe naltrexone?
- What kind of doctor prescribes naltrexone?
- How can you get naltrexone prescribed?
- Is it possible to get naltrexone anonymously?
- Can I buy naltrexone online?
- Does Medicare cover naltrexone?
- How much does naltrexone cost without insurance?
- What Is Oar Health and How Does It Work?
Naltrexone is medication for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends naltrexone in their guide for physicians, saying "Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and feelings of intoxication and allows patients to reduce alcohol use by removing the perceived 'reward' of consumption." (1)
Naltrexone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people stop drinking or cut back on drinking, as well as to reduce alcohol cravings.
If a qualified healthcare provider diagnoses you with AUD, you may receive a naltrexone prescription. Read about the difference between Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), heavy drinking, and binge drinking.
To determine whether you’re a good candidate for naltrexone, it is important to your health that you consult a medical professional as there are cases where naltrexone is not recommended. This can be done safely and quickly if you complete an online assessment and consultation with Oar Health. Should the Oar Health clinician determines that treatment with naltrexone is a fit for you, your Oar Health subscription plan will cover private delivery of naltrexone from our 50-state-certified pharmacy to you.
Get Started
Complete a short online assessment about your current alcohol use and your general medical history, and a medical provider will evaluate if treatment with naltrexone is right for you.
Is naltrexone over-the-counter?
Naltrexone is not currently available over-the-counter. A doctor prescription is required as it is important to understand any risk factors before starting naltrexone.
Understanding Naltrexone
Naltrexone — which also may be referred to by its full name, naltrexone HCL (hydrochloride) — is an FDA-approved and American Medical Association (AMA)-recommended prescription medication that treats certain substance use disorders. 'Naltrexone blocks the brain's opioid receptors, so the desire and craving for additional drinks is minimized.
Because it blocks the brain's opioid receptors, it is important to a patient's health and safety that they do not use opioids -- legally or illegally -- while taking naltrexone. This is a risk which your doctor or clinician will assess and may discuss with you.
The most common side effects of naltrexone are stomach upset, anxiety, trouble sleeping, tiredness, headache and muscle or joint pain (1)
Does naltrexone require a prescription?
Yes, naltrexone requires a prescription. Oral naltrexone, available in 50-milligram (mg) tablets, was approved by the FDA in 1984 as a medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), which was historically often referred to as alcoholism.
Naltrexone is also available as a monthly injection. The injection may only be given by a medical provider and is not available for home delivery.
Who can prescribe naltrexone?
Any licensed healthcare provider in the United States who is authorized to write a prescription can legally prescribe naltrexone. Naltrexone may be prescribed via a telehealth or virtual appointment with a clinician, or during an in-person office visit.
What kind of doctor prescribes naltrexone?
The healthcare professionals who most often prescribe naltrexone include:
- Physicians (MD)
- Osteopathic physicians (DO)
- Physician assistants (PA)
- Nurse practitioners (NP)
While special training isn’t necessary to prescribe naltrexone, some healthcare professionals may decide to refer patients to a colleague with more experience treating AUD.
How can you get naltrexone prescribed?
To get a naltrexone prescription, the first step is to discuss your alcohol use with a doctor or another healthcare provider. If you meet the diagnostic criteria for AUD, the provider can prescribe naltrexone as a medication-assisted treatment to help you cut down on your drinking or give up alcohol entirely.
Is it possible to get naltrexone anonymously?
Because naltrexone requires a prescription, it cannot be ordered anonymously. However, an online consultation with an Oar Health clinician is completely private and if naltrexone is prescribed, it will be delivered directly to the address you specify. Because Oar Health is a private-pay provider and maintains the strictest privacy standards, we do not share your consultation or prescription information with your doctor, insurance company, pharmacy or employer.
Can I buy naltrexone online?
Yes, but you still need a prescription. Oar Health's team of certified medical professionals use our online assessment to determine if you are a candidate for naltrexone. If approved, our clinical team will prescribe naltrexone, and have it delivered to you. If you're interested in first person accounts of Oar Health members' experiences, you can read about cutting back on drinking with Oar or quitting alcohol entirely with Oar.
Does Medicare cover naltrexone?
Yes, Medicare prescription drug plans cover naltrexone.
How much does naltrexone cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 30-day supply of 50-mg oral naltrexone tablets typically costs about $50. The monthly price without insurance can range from $25 to $175, depending on factors such as where you purchase naltrexone, available coupons, how often you take the medication, and at what dose.
What Is Oar Health and How Does It Work?
Oar Health provides people ready to change drink less or quit drinking with access to medical support and science-based solutions. After you complete an online assessment, a medical provider will determine your treatment plan. If your plan includes medication, Oar Health delivers your naltrexone online purchase directly and privately to you via an online pharmacy.
About The Author
Ian Landau is a journalist who's written extensively about health and wellness since 2010. He is also the author of The Hypochondriac's Handbook (Skyhorse, 2010).
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