Naltrexone: what it is and who it is for.
Naltrexone is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK as part of a wider treatment plan for alcohol dependence. This page explains how it works, who it may suit, who it is not suitable for, and what our assessment involves.
Covers your assessment, your clinician’s review and the consultation itself, whatever they conclude. Any medicine is bought separately.
- One-to-one consultation with a UK-registered prescriber
- Private naltrexone prescription, or alternative if needed
- Dispensed by our UK pharmacy
- Free next day tracked delivery, in plain packaging
You then buy your medication from us, priced per packet. Delivery is always free.
How the assessment works
One fee covers the assessment, the clinical review and the consultation, whatever your clinician concludes.
Online assessment
Complete a confidential health questionnaire covering your medical history and recovery goals.
Speak to a clinician
A UK-registered prescriber reviews your assessment and talks through whether naltrexone is right for you.
Prescription & delivery
Your prescription is dispensed by our UK pharmacy and shipped in plain, unbranded packaging.
How naltrexone works
Alcohol dependence is driven in large part by the brain’s reward system. Naltrexone blocks the opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s rewarding effect, which for some people reduces the urge to drink over time. It does not work for everyone, and it is licensed for use alongside wider support rather than on its own.
- 01Reduces cravingsDiminishes the psychological urge to drink by blocking alcohol's reward response.
- 02Supports long-term changeHelps patients maintain sobriety or moderation goals over time.
- 03Used alongside behavioural changeIt is licensed as part of a wider treatment plan, not as a standalone cure.
Naltrexone is a prescription-only medicine and is supplied only where a clinician judges it appropriate following assessment. It is not suitable for everyone, and your clinician will discuss the alternatives with you if it is not right for your situation.
Who it is not suitable for
- Anyone taking opioid painkillers. Naltrexone blocks opioids such as codeine, tramadol and morphine. If you take these, it is not appropriate for you.
- Anyone with liver concerns. Naltrexone is processed by the liver, so your clinician may ask for a recent liver function test before prescribing or during treatment.
- Anyone looking for a cure on its own. It is licensed as part of a wider treatment plan, not as a standalone treatment.
Common side effects
Nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness and disturbed sleep. These usually settle within the first week or two. Because naltrexone blocks opioid painkillers, you must tell any doctor, dentist or paramedic treating you that you are taking it. Your prescriber goes through the full list with you before you start.
Completely confidential
Consultations are encrypted and packaging carries no pharmacy branding. Your data is never shared without consent.
How you take it
Typically one 50mg tablet daily. Your clinician tailors the regimen to your consultation.
24/7 clinical support
Message our clinical team any time. Mild nausea or headache can occur initially, and all risks are discussed with your prescriber.
Common questions about naltrexone
Is naltrexone right for my alcohol addiction?
Naltrexone is licensed in the UK as part of a wider treatment plan for alcohol dependence. It suits people who want to stop drinking or cut down substantially, and who are ready to pair medication with behavioural change. It is not a standalone cure for alcohol addiction, and it is not suitable if you are currently taking opioid painkillers. Your clinician confirms whether it is appropriate for you during your consultation.
Do I need to stop drinking before I start?
No. You can keep drinking, and the medicine will reduce your cravings over time. Many patients begin naltrexone while still drinking and cut down gradually as the urge fades. Be honest with your clinician about your current drinking pattern, because it changes the safest way to begin.
Will I need a blood test?
Naltrexone is processed by the liver, so your clinician may ask for a recent liver function test before prescribing or during treatment. You can upload results from your GP to your patient dashboard, or we will explain how to arrange one. This is a routine safety check, not an obstacle to treatment.
What are the side effects?
The most common are nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness and disturbed sleep. These usually settle within the first week or two. Importantly, naltrexone blocks opioid painkillers such as codeine, tramadol and morphine, so you must tell any doctor, dentist or paramedic treating you that you are taking it. Your prescriber goes through the full list before you start.
How long will I take it for?
Most courses run for several months, with your clinician reviewing progress along the way. Some patients take naltrexone for six to twelve months while they build new habits; others continue for longer. There is no fixed end point, and your clinician reviews whether continuing is appropriate for you.
What if naltrexone isn’t suitable for me?
If your clinician decides naltrexone is not the right treatment, they will explain why and discuss the alternatives available to you, including a different medication where appropriate. Your £395 covers the consultation and clinical time either way. You only pay for medication if a prescription is issued and you choose to have it dispensed.
Speak to a clinician about whether this is right for you.
The £395 fee covers your assessment, your clinician’s review and the consultation itself, whether or not they judge naltrexone appropriate for you. Any medicine is bought separately from our pharmacy. The assessment takes about 10 minutes.