What happens if I need pain medication while on naltrexone?

If you need pain management while taking naltrexone, your healthcare provider should be informed right away. Since naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, common opioid-based pain medications like morphine or oxycodone will not be effective. In the case of an emergency or major surgery, a healthcare provider may need to use higher doses of opioids to overcome the blockade, though this approach should only be taken in controlled settings like a hospital. Non-opioid pain relief options, such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or regional anesthesia, are often preferred for individuals taking naltrexone.