OPIZONE TREATMENT
Starting treatment
Opizone (naltrexone) may be seen as a stepping stone towards being totally abstinent from drugs but before starting treatment you will need to have detoxed from opiates.
Remember, you must wait for at least seven to ten days after you last took an opiate before starting Opizone. If you have been prescribed a ‘maintenance’ opiate such as methadone or buprenorphine, your detox may take a little bit longer than with heroin, because maintenance drugs tend to leave the body a little more slowly.
Once your prescriber has confirmed that you are opiate-free you will be able to start Opizone. The dose on the first day is half a tablet (25mg). From then on, the usual dose is one 50mg tablet each day – though you may be prescribed a different dosage depending on your individual needs; you should discuss this with your prescriber.
You should always follow your prescriber’s instructions. If you are unsure about anything your pharmacist or key worker may be able to help.
You must not forget to take your medication. Ask a family or friend to remind you or even to watch you take it if you are worried you might slip.
For further information on starting Opizone, please see the Patient Information Leaflet on the Leaflets page.
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