Is Depade addictive?

NO. Depade is not a drug with a potential for abuse. It is non-addictive and has doesn’t cause withdrawal when discontinued. More about Depade treatment here.

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Depade (main ingredient naltrexone) is an up-and-coming medication used for the treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction. It works by blocking the pleasurable effects that alcohol and opioid drugs produce and addresses cravings for these substances.

Depade is a non addictive medication and there is no risk of cross-addiction. Depade helps opioid users and alcoholics in long-term recovery to stay substance free. However, Depade is not a magic pill that can cure addiction and is best used as a part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program that include psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.

In this article we explain what Depade actually is, what it’s used for, how it works and much more. If you have anything to ask or add after reading, we invite you to post your questions in the section at the end of the article. We try to answer all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly.

What is Depade?

Depade is a brand name for naltrexone hydrochloride, available as tablets of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strength, intended for oral use. As an opioid antagonist, Depade has opioid blocking properties and binds mostly in the mu-opioid receptor, but also binds to the kappa-opioid receptor and delta-opioid receptor in the brain. By binding in the opioid receptor sites, it blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol or opioid drugs. But Depade can also address cravings for these substances to help take your mind off the drink/drugs and put it on getting better.

What is Depade used for?

Depade is used as a part of a holistic addiction treatment program that includes counseling meetings, psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, educational sessions, medical and family support, and other types of treatment a recovering addict may need. It works by blocking the chemical responses that make alcohol and opioid drugs rewarding. Depade cannot get you high.

Not everyone should start on Depade right away, through. Depade is intended for the treatment of alcohol dependent patients who have succeeded to abstain from alcohol for 3-7 days and opioid dependent patients who have stopped using illicit or prescription opioid drugs for 10-14 days. More on how long Depade stays in the system.

Depade for alcoholism treatment

It is very important that all traces of alcohol are eliminated from the body before you take Depade. The general initial dose of Depade in the treatment of alcohol dependence is 50mg, taken once daily. Later, the dose can be increased or decreased depending on individual needs and response to treatment. Depade is for oral consumption only and can be taken with or without food.

The exact mechanism of action of Depade for alcoholism is not fully understood yet. But researcher have confirmed that the administration of opioid antagonists, such as Depade, can block the pleasurable effects of alcohol and decrease alcohol consumption. Since Depade binds to opiate receptor sites in the brain, it can be concluded that the rewarding effects of alcohol are mediated through the opiate system (at least partly).

Depade for opioid dependence treatment

As a part of opioid dependence treatment, Depade can help recovering opioid addicts continue to avoid opioid drugs and stay drug-free. However, Depade should not be given to people who are still using street drugs or abusing prescription opioids. In fact, patients should be substance-free for 10-14 days before initiating Depade treatment. The starting dose for opioid-dependent patients is usually 50mg, but dose levels can be adjusted as needed.

Depade will continue to block opioid cravings and helps prevent relapse for as long as it’s used. Patients may be prescribed and continue using Depade for months, years, or as long as it is needed. Dependence to this medication cannot be formed and there are no withdrawal symptoms upon dosage discontinuation.

Deciding to take Depade

Depade is mostly recommended to individuals in the early stages of addiction recovery, who are completely past alcohol or opiate withdrawal and are highly motivated to stay in recovery. A decision to use Depade should be made along with your doctor, substance abuse treatment provider or counselor. There are several things your prescribing doctor should do before you begin Depade use:

1. You’ll need a careful assessment of your physical health state including a physical exam and tests for diseases commonly detected in those who have abused alcohol or drugs. The liver must be checked to make sure Depade is a safe option for you, or not.

2. You’ll also need to seek an assessment of the state of your mental health. During this interview, health professionals ask questions about past patterns of addiction, health, and possible links to family history (as well as looking for co-occuring mental health disorders). After this stage, your doctor should recommend suitable treatment options for you, that will fit your needs best and help your psychological struggle with addiction.

3. You’ll need to complete a drug test before you are given the first dose. Usually saliva and urine samples are tested to determine that there are no alcohol or opiates present in the system. Your doctor may also give you another medication called naloxone and ask you to complete the “naloxone challenge test” to check for opiate use specifically.

4. Then, you’ll want to work with your supervising physician to construct a treatment plan and be sure that dosing details and questions are answered. You should be made aware of the rules/limitations/contra-indications that you must follow, the counseling routines and other treatment services. You should also have the schedule and plan printed out.

5. Be sure that before you start taking Depade, your doctor introduce the possible side effects provides you with instructions on what should be done if you experience any. These symptoms, although very rare in occurrence, can bring discomfort or sickness and you should never hesitate to report this to your doctor or treatment provider.

Depade questions

Thinking about using Depade to help advance your recovery? Talk to your doctor and see if you can benefit from Depade treatment.

You can also direct your questions or comments to us. Please post them in the section below and we’ll try to provide you with a personal and prompt response.

Reference Sources: MedlinePlus: Naltrexone
NCBI: Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice: Oral Naltrexone
PubChem: Nalterxone
NIDA: Naltrexone-An Antagonist Therapy for Heroin Addiction
SAMHSA: Naltrexone
NIDA: Narcotic Antagonists: Naltrexone (Pharmacochemisty and sustained-release preparations)
SAMHSA: The facts about NALTREXONE for Treatment of Opioid Addiction
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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