Naltrexone and Headaches: What Users Say

• Non...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "Since I began taking 5 mg naltrexone at night, I fall asleep quickly. I sleep very well for 8 to 9 hours. I wake up refreshed and without pain. I no longer take antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety, or pain medication. My mental functioning is much better but not back to pre-CFIDS standard. I don't have normal energy or drive, but my life is so much closer to normal than it was a year ago. I have no complaints. The only other medication I take is for high blood pressure. The only side effect I have is a slight headache when I wake in the morning, but it always goes away soon after I get up. I would take this medication if the only thing I got from it was good quality sleep."

• Jqn...
• November 13, 2015

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I am a 28 y/o male. I used all drugs from about 12, but only opiates and then IV heroin for about 10 years straight. I went through at least 7-8 rehabs and detoxes, and endless county jails. In all those years, I never had been able to stay clean for more than a month on purpose. I've been clean now for 1 year, 8 months, and a day. Vivitrol saved my life without a doubt. I was on it for 13 months with intensive outpatient treatment and as many NA meetings as I could get to in a week. I had some issues sleeping with the first shot, but after that, the side effects were only a headache here and there. Freedom from active addiction is worth any cost. Give it a try, if I could do it, I promise anyone can."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "Have had fibromyalgia for 22 years. Tried all sorts of the recommended meds. Two months ago started 4.5 mg low dose naltrexone. Fall asleep easily but horrible and disturbing dreams and subsequent pain from disturbed sleep. Sometimes I'd sleep 10 to 12 hrs and just slightly refreshed. Have a hard time getting going after waking for up to two hours. Just stopped taking it because of the side effects. Having a headache while coming off of it."

• Six...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2020

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I've been abusing alcohol since I was 16, but I became fully addicted when I was about 20. That's when I noticed the cravings and withdrawal (even with being prescribed clonazepam). I'm 28 now. I've been taking naltrexone since February of 2020, and I don't think I'd have been able to get sober from alcohol, or stay sober, without it. It dulls the cravings and allows me to think clearly through them. I feel a bit more like I did before alcohol changed my brain chemistry. Every time I have a craving, it feels like the feeling is being 'smothered' or 'cut off,' depending on how strong the craving is. The only negative side effect I've had is very mild and short (5-10 second) headaches that happen maybe two or three times a month, and have lessened the longer I've been on it. I barely notice them anymore. I am a strong supporter of this drug, but we'll have to see what the long-term (if any) effects are on the brain."

• mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started taking a daily dose 3 days ago. I poured myself a drink today as an 'experiment' and noticed right away that the smell of the alcohol seemed different and was a real turn-off. I nursed the drink for almost an hour, which is almost unheard of for me (I'm a chugger). I finished the drink more out of obligation to the experiment than anything, and I never got the usual 'buzz' I'd get. Now I have a slight headache, and I'm a bit tired. Honestly, if any future drinking feels like this, then I can definitely see how this will curb my drinking as there is no reward anymore. And I've been trying to gain control of this for 10+ years: therapy, counseling, rehab, AA, etc."

• exv...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 14, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "At age 23, I quit drinking for fun and started drinking to medicate. For the next 14 years, I hardly went a day without a drink (half a fifth a night on average). I honestly didn't think I would ever be able to cut back, let alone quit. After getting an ultimatum from my girlfriend, I went to a doctor and was given Naltrexone and Wellbutrin. I didn't set any goals or give myself any rules. When I tried to drink like usual, I found none of the joy, only headaches and a general miserable feeling. Six months later, I haven't bought a fifth in three months, and the thought of drinking makes me ill. It's been a miracle for me."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started naltrexone 25 mg (for my dependence on alcohol) yesterday around 11 am. I was hit pretty hard with nausea, feeling spaced out, a headache, and tiredness. Part of this was probably a hangover from 2 plus bottles of wine the night before. Also, I took it on an empty stomach. I just rested and felt better around 2:30 pm. My doctor told me to taper off drinking and not to just stop. So I got a glass of wine around 4:30 pm, and when I took the first drink, I didn’t get the pleasure rush. I got a second glass and couldn’t finish it. This is really unusual because normally I finish the bottle and a lot more. I also slept really well all through the night. Today I’m going to eat before I take it and hope the side effects lessen. I would like to take it at night, but I really need it to be effective to help with the drinking. Does it still work if you take it at night?"

• Nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2016

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "Was not given the correct information and was not monitored after injection. I was honest and told the doctor I took Suboxone 6 days before the shot, and he said I would be fine. Well, about 30 minutes after the shot, I started having terrible withdrawals. Sweating, and it felt like my skin was on fire for the entire month. I urinated every 15 minutes. Couldn't sleep and had extreme restless leg syndrome. Constant headache and urinary tract infection to boot. Zero sex drive and a bad mood the whole time. Sought therapy at Calvary House and told all my symptoms. No one cared. At $1,200 each month, why would they?"

• Syd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "Began Naltrexone about 2 and a half weeks ago. After 3 days, had to stop for a day or so and then start back on 25 mg due to really bad nausea. Took 25 mg for 2 days, had virtually no side effects, and then back up to 50 mg. I have the rare headache, but am sleeping well and feeling fine. My drinking has decreased incredibly. Some nights, I can only manage a glass of wine, this is amazing since I was a bottle-a-night drinker. Weight is slowly dropping, which is great, but have started craving dark chocolate."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I am a 27-year-old alcoholic. As soon as college came, alcohol took a hold of my life. I started naltrexone 4 days ago and haven't had the urge to drink at all. However, I always have a headache. The nausea comes and goes. Appetite is down and I'm usually fatigued/tired. Hope the side effects begin to taper off soon. If they do, this drug might really change my life!"

• Try...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2019

For Alcohol Use Disorder "This is a very powerful drug. To start off, I am a 6'0" 180 lb male. I was prescribed 50 mg once daily, however, I was hesitant, as in the past, I have been hospitalized due to reactions from other prescription medicines, so I started on 25 mg instead. This hit me like a truck, I was extremely tired and in a fog. I felt like a zombie, so I dropped it down to 12.5 mg. I still was extremely tired and out of it. After almost giving up, I went down to 6 mg, which is an eighth of a pill. I found this to be the right amount for me. The first few days, I had a little headache, minor stomach pain, and was a little tired, but this all has passed. This drug did give me the ability to stop after one drink. It makes it easier to 'take it or leave it' when it comes to alcohol. I would recommend at least trying it and experimenting with which dose works best for you."

• Spu...
• November 23, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Had fibro since birth. Took over my entire body and mind at the age of 32. Started with 1.5 mg, and within a week was up to 4.5. The naltrexone was working like a charm for my fibromyalgia: no more brain fog, pain diminished by about 60 percent. Started to be able to take care of myself again after being bedridden for nearly 3 years. For the past 5 months, I have been experiencing waking after 5 hours of sleep with a burning sensation in the back of my neck and headaches in the sinus areas of my forehead, along with a tight rubber band feeling in my head. My spine burns, along with upper muscle spasms. Depression has worsened. The pharmacy sent me a different brand of LDN this past month. I question the quality? Or am I just having a bad relapse from extreme stress and overdoing? I've also experienced tingling down the back of my legs, along with my 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers. I'm stumped! I'm seeing a chiropractor Monday to see if this could be coming from my neck and spine. I also have several herniated discs. I should also try another brand of naltrexone to see if that helps."

• NoM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2016

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started this drug as part of a program - medical doctor, therapist, online support, benzos for withdrawals, and this. Currently, 67 days sober, and I think this drug is a miracle. I've drank every day for over 30 years, but no more. Removes the cravings. You still have to go through physical and mental challenges from quitting alcohol. Need to fill the void created, so it is a part of the program. I do get headaches (I never got headaches before). Spacey at times, unmotivated, but that seems like not drinking after you get past the pink bubble phase. Life begins new for me."

• Ott...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2016

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I still don't know if cravings and anxiety are one and the same, but I've been on this for 6 months. I notice a lot of headaches, increased anxiety, depression, insomnia, and male sexual problems. I still need 0.5 mg Xanax 5 times a day for the anxiety, and Ambien CR for insomnia. The product coordination nurses deny that this causes male sexual side effects. I've had sex twice in 6 months on Vivitrol, and that includes my honeymoon. I think Vivitrol helped me the most by making it clear that if I tried any opiates, I could overdose immediately and die. So I've put up with the side effects, but I hope to be off this in 1 year. And, yes, I want my sex life back."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2022

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "Made me extremely ill. Not an opiate user. Got the 30-day shot. Feel anxious, problems with my digestive system, headaches, trouble sleeping, and overly tired somehow. Fatigued all day, and my body aches. It's awful. I feel like I have the flu, and simultaneously, all the joy has been sucked out of my life. I can't take pleasure in anything during the day."

• New...
• March 30, 2023

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder "I started off taking oral naltrexone for a few months before switching to these monthly injections at my doctor’s suggestion. I’ve had three shots so far. After my second one, I experienced severe itching at the injection site for days. It was so bad that it kept me awake. However, that didn’t occur after my first or my third injection. I’ve been sober since the first of January. I feel no alcohol cravings at all. I feel this medication is really helping me. The daily oral version was helping me, too, but I had headaches literally every single day after popping my pill. That doesn’t happen to me with the injections. I definitely recommend this if you truly want to get clear-minded and end your slavery."

• Jak...
• July 6, 2017

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "Vivitrol has made me completely useless. I was taking methadone as prescribed every day for the last six years. I actually cut my dose in half the last 24 months. But, I decided to quit cold turkey to get on Vivitrol. Now I am so miserable! I can only get myself to take a couple bites of food a day if I can keep it down. My head is constantly throbbing. I haven't slept more than two hours every night for at least a month. My body is so weak, yet I'm constantly freezing and sweating. My hands shake all the time, and the ringing in my ears is so loud I have a hard time hearing things sometimes. I find that I don't care about anything. I don't even want to be around my own son anymore. I am not surprised people get suicidal on this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "It’s been 4 days on Vivitrol for opioid addiction. I’ve been experiencing mild headaches, bearable though. The thing that’s bothering me most is my cravings. I was told they go away, but so far I still have cravings and obsessions. Just knowing I can’t get high helps a lot. One day at a time!"

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2021

For Alcohol Use Disorder "This is the second time I’ve tried to take Naltrexone, and I just cannot tolerate it. I thought maybe it was because I started at 50 mg. So this time I started with 25 mg and still having weird “high” feelings all day, headaches, itching, nausea. Very similar to migraines, but with crazy anxiety, paranoia, and sleeplessness. Will NEVER take again. Back to good ole willpower."

• mor...
• July 29, 2016

For Alcohol Use Disorder "I started taking naltrexone about 3 days ago. 6 1/2 weeks ago, I began detox/withdrawal in an inpatient setting for anorexia. I could have never gone from a fifth of vodka a day for 2+ years without this medical intervention. After detoxing with Librium, I started Campral (still in inpatient with no access to alcohol). I started naltrexone in addition to Campral (and other meds for bipolar, anxiety, depression) 3 days ago. I returned home today, and I'm sad to admit I chugged about 1/4 bottle, not remembering I was on naltrexone. I recognize that I'm quite heavy-headed, but I feel bored and lethargic rather than uninhibited, as I normally would. I am so happy to have access to a drug to take away the influence alcohol had on my life."

• Mik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2019

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "I hate this stuff. I have to take it because of my sober living house. I've been on it for six months, and I'm always sick off it, in and out of the hospital. It's killing my social life and affecting me at work. It gives me the worst headache ever. I feel like I cannot function or do anything. It makes me vomit all the time and have a constant migraine."

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2021

For Alcohol Use Disorder "This may not be a fair review because I only took 2 doses. But I woke up at 1:00 AM the night after the second dose with a terrible throbbing headache. The next morning I woke up with severe nausea and headache. I was sick all day, hopefully, this very ill feeling will subside by tomorrow. I obviously won’t be taking any more of the medication. However, for me, I found a strong placebo effect. This made me realize I just need to do this myself, it certainly isn’t worth putting a drug in my body (especially one that made me feel like I had been poisoned, wow, I was sick). I am only speaking for myself. I must be one of the rare people who can’t or shouldn’t take this drug."

• Mor...
• May 31, 2017

For Alcohol Use Disorder "On 50 mg for 5 days, taking it in the morning. I'm 50 years old, in and out of rehab, my last 3 walked out. I'm presently attending pretreatment for intensive outpatient. Want my life back, alcohol has been a way for me to deal with problems. The 1st day was bad: very achy muscles, joint pain, very tired, bad headaches, want to sleep, anxious, nervous. Too many side effects to even think of drinking. The 5th day was worse than the 1st day. Wondering if the injection is any better than the daily dose."

• Lau...
• April 23, 2019

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder "While on the shot, I had extreme fatigue and couldn't orgasm. Those aren't horrible, except the orgasm part. It's getting off the shot that has given me constant headaches that nothing touches, extreme anxiety, and irritability. I feel crazy, my mental health is not right. This is not my first rodeo, I was sober for 15 months through AA before I relapsed and got on the shot after a treatment center. This is not normal for me, and the only thing that's different in my life is I was on the shot and now I'm not. I recommend it for someone struggling, being sober is better than dying from the disease. Though the way I have been feeling could have easily made me go change the bad way I feel if I didn't have the support I do."

• On...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 29, 2020

For Opioid Use Disorder "I've been on Vivitrol implant for 3 weeks. I now have severe anxiety, headaches, my brain feels scrambled, it's hard to explain. Sex drive is gone, not suicidal, but I have suicidal thoughts. I don't have a desire for opiates, probably won't get another implant at the end of 2 months. I feel worse than I did going through withdrawals. IDK, my brain's a mess."