What is naltrexone?
Naltrexone is a type of medicine known as an opioid antagonist (or opioidergic agent).
Who is naltrexone therapy for?
Naltrexone might be prescribed for people who are addicted to alcohol and opioid drugs like heroin.
It’s also sometimes prescribed for autistic people with self-harming behaviour if other therapies haven’t worked.
What is naltrexone used for?
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists block receptors in the brain that normally respond to chemicals called opioids. This can reduce activity in certain parts of the brain.
Receptors are like chemical antennae on brain cells. They pick up chemical signals and help signals travel between brain cells.
Opioids are chemicals that can increase wellbeing, relieve pain or give people a strong ‘high’ or ‘rush’. Opioids can occur naturally in the body – endorphin is an example. They can also be taken into or triggered in the body by addictive substances like drugs or alcohol.
Where does naltrexone therapy come from?
Naltrexone was originally used to treat heroin and alcohol dependence. Most research on naltrexone for self-harming behaviour in autistic people was done in the United States between the 1980s and early 2000s.
What is the idea behind naltrexone therapy for autistic people?
Researchers have suggested a possible association between autism and a problem with opioid receptors in the brain.
These researchers believe that autistic people who hurt themselves feel a ‘rush’ because their bodies release beta-endorphins during the self-harming behaviour.
Supporters of this therapy believe that blocking opioid receptors with naltrexone removes the ‘rush’, which makes it easier for people to stop self-harming behaviour.
What does naltrexone therapy involve?
Naltrexone therapy involves taking oral medicine every day. The specific medicine and dosage depends on people’s individual needs.
If your child is taking naltrexone, they should be monitored regularly by a psychiatrist or other specialist doctor. Your child needs regular appointments with this professional. Monitoring might include blood tests.
Does naltrexone therapy help autistic children?
Most studies of naltrexone for autistic children are small and quite old.
These studies also show mixed results. The results included short‑term reductions in self-harming behaviour for some children but also no change or even increases in self-harming behaviour in others.
Overall, research suggests that naltrexone doesn’t improve the core characteristics of autism.
Who prescribes naltrexone?
Psychiatrists, paediatricians and GPs can prescribe naltrexone and give you information about its benefits and risks.
Where can you find a doctor who prescribes naltrexone?
You can find psychiatrists at Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – Find a psychiatrist.
How are parents involved in naltrexone therapy for autistic children?
If your child is prescribed naltrexone, you need to ensure your child takes the medicine as prescribed. You also need to monitor its effects and side effects and arrange follow-up visits with your child’s health professional to review the medicine plan.
How much does naltrexone cost?
The cost of naltrexone can vary depending on the dose and how often the medicine is taken. This medicine is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) but only as a treatment for alcoholism.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.