Last Updated on September 23, 2025

💡 This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment plan, including the use of naltrexone. Individual needs and responses to treatment can vary.

If you’re looking to change your relationship with alcohol, naltrexone can feel like starting a new chapter. Maybe you’re looking for a little extra support as you cut back, or maybe you want to make a bigger, transformative change. No matter your goals, knowing what to avoid when taking naltrexone can help you get the best results—and avoid unnecessary bumps along the way.

Here’s what to avoid when taking naltrexone.

1. Opioids (Including Prescription Painkillers)

If you take away one thing from this list, make it this: Avoid opioids while taking naltrexone. That includes prescription pain meds like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and certain cough medicines.

Naltrexone works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. If you take an opioid while also taking oral naltrexone, you won’t get the usual effect—and you could trigger precipitated withdrawal if your body still has opioids in its system. That’s a fast and unpleasant reaction you definitely don’t want to experience.

Providers tend to recommend being opioid-free for at least 7–14 days before your first dose of naltrexone. Be honest with your healthcare provider so they can make sure you start safely.

2. Certain OTC Medications, Supplements, and Herbal Remedies

Over-the-counter medications can come with potential interactions, too. Some anti-diarrheal meds, for example (such as loperamide), contain opioids in a form that can still interact. Cough syrups with dextromethorphan may also have unwanted effects.

Then there are herbal products like kratom or St. John’s wort, which can interfere with how your body processes the medication. The safest move is to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new, even if it’s not a prescription drug.

3. Ignoring Liver Health

At typical doses, naltrexone is considered safe for the liver, and most people don’t run into liver-related problems. Still, because your liver plays such a big role in processing both alcohol and medications, doctors like to be cautious. That’s why if you have a history of liver health issues, your doctor may order a quick liver function test before you start naltrexone, and sometimes again later on, just to keep an eye on things.

It also helps to think about the bigger picture of liver health. Drinking heavily, taking certain medications, or using a lot of acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can all put extra stress on the liver. Being aware of these factors—and checking in with a doctor if you’re unsure—can go a long way in keeping your body supported while you’re using naltrexone.

4. Relying on Naltrexone alone

If you’ve been on naltrexone for a while, don’t stop suddenly without making a plan to do so. While the medication itself isn’t addictive, stopping abruptly can cause your original symptoms (like cravings) to come roaring back if you don’t have a holistic plan in place. 

Naltrexone can help quiet the noise around cravings, giving you more space to make intentional choices. Still, it’s not a one-stop shop. At Sunnyside, we view naltrexone as just one tool in a larger toolbox. Maybe that toolbox also includes: 

• Tracking your drinks
• Building in alcohol-free days or streaks without drinking
• Exploring new ways to relax without alcohol, like reading, art, meditation, or cooking

If naltrexone is part of your plan, knowing what to avoid when taking naltrexone can help make the medication as effective as possible for you.

So go in informed. Use Sunnyside as a resource. And remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress worth celebrating.

What is Sunnyside?

Sunnyside is a holistic program to help you build a healthier relationship with alcohol, using a proven, science-backed method. Whether you want to become a more mindful drinker, drink less, or eventually quit drinking, Sunnyside can help you reach your goals. We take a positive, friendly approach to habit change, so you never feel judged or pressured to quit.

When you join Sunnyside, you’ll start by completing a 3-minute private assessment so we can learn a bit about you. Once that’s done, you’ll get a 15-day free trial to test out everything, including our daily habit change tools, tracking and analytics, community and coaching, and education and resources. It’s a full package designed specifically to adapt to your goals and help you reach them gradually, so you can make a huge impact on your health and well-being.

In addition, Sunnyside Med now offers access to compounded naltrexone, a prescription medication that can reduce cravings and binge drinking, giving you the peace of mind to make long-term change.

Get your 15-day free trial of Sunnyside today, and start living your healthiest life.