Revia (naltrexone): what it treats and how to use it safely

Revia is the brand name for naltrexone, a prescription drug used to reduce cravings for alcohol and to help prevent relapse to opioid use after detox. If you're considering Revia, you probably want clear answers: how it works, what side effects to expect, and how to stay safe while taking it. This page gives straightforward, practical info you can use when talking with your clinician or pharmacist.

How Revia works, common doses, and side effects

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain. For alcohol, that lowers the rewarding effects of drinking and helps cut cravings. For opioid dependence, it prevents opioids from producing a high, so it reduces the chance of relapse. The usual adult dose for alcohol dependence is 50 mg once daily. For opioid dependence, dosing and timing depend on being fully detoxed first—starting too soon can trigger sudden withdrawal.

Common side effects include nausea, headache, tiredness, and vivid dreams. Less common but more serious issues involve the liver—naltrexone can raise liver enzymes, so doctors often check liver tests before and during treatment. If you have active liver disease, discuss alternatives with your provider. Also mention any current opioid use, pain needs, or pregnancy plans before starting Revia.

Practical safety tips and buying advice

Never start Revia while you still have opioids in your system. That can cause severe withdrawal. If you need surgery or a strong painkiller while on Revia, tell the surgical team—opioid pain relief won’t work the same and special planning is needed. Carry a card or note saying you take naltrexone so responders know.

Only get Revia from licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription. If ordering online, choose pharmacies that require a prescription, display contact details, and have clear return and privacy policies. Look for third-party verification (like pharmacy accreditation tools) and avoid sites that offer prescription drugs without asking for a prescription. If a price seems too low or a site pressures you to buy without medical oversight, walk away.

Talk to your healthcare provider about interactions with other medicines, including over-the-counter pain meds and supplements. Keep follow-up appointments and repeat liver tests if recommended. If side effects become severe or you experience signs of liver problems (dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, severe stomach pain), contact your provider right away.

Revia can be a useful tool when used with counseling, support groups, or a broader treatment plan. If you're weighing options for alcohol or opioid recovery, bring this info to your clinician and ask about what fits your lifestyle and medical history. Clear communication and safe sourcing make a big difference in treatment success.