Does Intake Of Revia Help In Treating Alcohol Withdrawal?

Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016

Question: Hello,

My doctor just prescribed me Revia to help me with a drinking problem. He said I could drink while being on it, which I would rather not do. However, I became very anxious and turned to the beer which I know have had 4. I feel very tired now and would like to sleep but am afraid. Is this normal? What the medication is for?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are safe to take a nap and Revia is given to treat alcohol addiction

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Revia contains naltrexone which acts as opioid antagonist and blocks the receptors and also decreases alcohol consumption. This medicine is used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction.

2. You are safe to take a nap if you have taken beer while taking revia and are feeling sleepy and tired then it is probably normal. Revia will not interact with alcohol including beer to cause any dangerous events when taken in recommended dose. However you will slowly reduce the alcohol consumption over time because revia has a tendency to decrease alcohol use.

3. Please have your liver function test monitored regularly when taking revia. This is because the medicine in revia should be taken carefully in those having abnormal liver function.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar