Does Depade help with addiction to opiates?

Yes, Depade can help treat addiction to opiates by helping reduce cravings. How does it work? It is an opioid receptor antagonist that works by binding to opioid receptors. But instead of activating the receptors, Depade effectively blocks them. More on how Depade works for addiction here.

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Yes, Depade (main ingredient naltrexone) can help treat addiction to opiates. How, exactly? Basically, Depade is an opioid receptor antagonist that binds to opioid receptors. However, instead of activating the receptors, it effectively blocks them.

More on how Depade works for addiction to opiates here. Then, we invite your questions and comments about Depade at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all questions personally and promptly.

What is opiate addiction?

Addiction is basically defined as the inability to control drug use. Addiction can quickly result from sustained use of heroin or other opiate drugs. Research suggests that addiction is rooted in an interplay of genetic, chemical, and physiologic factors. However, compared with other drugs of abuse, the chemical properties of opiates play a larger role in addiction than do genetics and psychosocial factors.

Opiates induce euphoria and produce changes in brain chemistry that reinforce the user’s urge to use the drugs. Dependence is established quickly. Most addicts who try to decrease or stop opiate use experience protracted withdrawal. So, what kinds of medications can help during the period of withdrawal or afterwards? And can Depade help manage drug cravings?

How can Depade help with opiate addiction?

Depade is a non-opioid medication that is approved for the treatment of opioid dependence. Depade is an opioid receptor antagonist; it binds to opioid receptors, but instead of activating the receptors, it effectively blocks them. Through this action, it prevents opioid receptors from being activated by agonist compounds, such as heroin or prescription pain killers, and is reported to reduce craving and prevent relapse.

Depade prescription for opiate addiction treatment

How can you get a prescription for Depade? As opposed to other medications used for opioid dependence (methadone and buprenorphine), Depade can be prescribed by any medical professional who is licensed to prescribe medicine (a physician, doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner). However, Depade is only helpful when it is used as part of an addiction treatment program. It is important that you attend all counseling sessions, support group meetings, education programs, or other treatments recommended by your doctor.

Depade comes as a tablet to take by mouth either at home or under supervision in a clinic or treatment center. When Depade is taken at home, it is usually taken once a day with or without food. When Depade is taken in a clinic or treatment center, it may be taken once a day, once every other day, once every third day, or once every day except Sunday.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Depade exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Depade can help opiate addiction… or it may not

If you or a loved one are facing a problem with opiate addiction, Depade may be a medicine that can help you get and stay sober. Depade (naltrexone) is known to help manage drug cravings. However, keep in mind that medication alone cannot address underlying psychological or emotional issues related to drug use. Depade is best used in combination with a behavioral and psychological treatment program.

Who CAN use Depade for opiate addiction?

1. People who are motivated or monitored – Strategies such as incentives and feedback on medication compliance have been incorporated into treatment planning to enhance treatment success. Once you start feeling better and stronger, medication monitoring may no longer be needed.

2. People who are abstinent from opiates or opioids – Depade is an opioid antagonist; people who are using opioids, opioid replacement therapy, or anticipating surgery or dental work are not good candidates for treatment with Depade.

3. People who need help with cravings – Depade’s opioid antagonist properties may make it a particularly good treatment option for individuals with a history of opioid abuse/dependence who are seeking treatment because Depade will reduce the reinforcing effects of and curb cravings for both opioids and alcohol.

Depade help with opiate addiction questions

Still have questions about Depade? Please contact us through the comments section below if you have any questions about Depade treatment. We are happy to try to provide a personal and prompt response to all legitimate inquiries.

Reference Sources: HRSA: Buprenorphine: A New Tool in the Arsenal
MedlinePlus: Naltrexone
SAMSHA: Naltrexone
NCBI: Oral Naltrexone
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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