| At a glance: Naltrexone |
Type of therapy
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Medical
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The claim
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Reduces behavioural problems (particularly self-harming behaviour)
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Suitable for
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No age restrictions identified
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Warnings
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This medication can have some side effects including drowsiness, decreased appetite and vomiting. It can increase self-harming behaviour in adults. It has an extremely bitter taste and would not be tolerated by some people. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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Little time is needed to take the medication, but the treatment can be ongoing. |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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The cost will vary depending on the strength of the drug and how long it's taken. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
Naltrexone is a type of medication known as an opiate antagonist (or opioidergic agent). These medications ‘block’ cells in the brain that would normally respond to chemicals called opiates, which often produce feelings of euphoria and can be very addictive.
Who is it for?
Naltrexone has traditionally been prescribed for people who are addicted to alcohol and opioid drugs such as heroin. It’s also sometimes used to treat people with ASD, particularly those with behavioural problems such as self-harming behaviour.
What is it used for?
Opiate antagonist medications are used to block receptors in the brain.
Receptors are like chemical antennae that sit on the outside of each brain cell and pick up specific signals. In this way, receptors help signals to move along connections between brain cells.
It’s thought that by blocking specific receptors, opiate antagonists such as Naltrexone can reduce activity in certain parts of the brain.
Where does it come from?
Naltrexone was originally used to treat heroin and alcohol dependence by blocking the effects of these drugs. It was first tested as a therapy for self-harming behaviour in people with autism in the mid-1980s in the USA.
What is the idea behind it?
Researchers have suggested a possible association between autism and a problem with opioid receptors in the brain.
These researchers believe that people with autism who hurt themselves feel a ‘rush’ because their bodies release beta-endorphins during the self-harming behaviour. Beta-endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain.
Supporters of this therapy believe that blocking these receptors with Naltrexone removes the ‘rush’ and makes it easier for the person to stop the behaviour.
What does it involve?
No standard procedure for this therapy has been developed. In studies testing Naltrexone, children were given the drug in tablet form daily for four weeks.
Cost considerations
The cost of Naltrexone can vary depending on factors such as dose and how often the drug’s taken. This medication is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), but only as a treatment for alcoholism.
Does it work?
This therapy has not yet been rated.
Who practises this method?
Psychiatrists, paediatricians and general practitioners can prescribe this medication. You can discuss this medication with your GP if you want more information.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
This therapy involves taking oral medication on a daily basis. The specific medication and dosage will depend on each child’s symptoms.
A specialist medical practitioner such as a psychiatrist should monitor the child receiving the medication. Regular appointments with this professional will be needed.
Where can I find a practitioner?
Your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist can prescribe this medication and offer you information about its potential benefits and risks.
