An experienced Medical Doctor, Wayne Macfadden, MD, brings over three decades in Psychiatry to his role as the Global Medical Affairs, Sleep Therapeutic Area Lead at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Wayne Macfadden MD, formerly served at Spirit Lake Reservation in Fort Totten, North Dakota, where he specialized in substance abuse disorders and utilized medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as naltrexone for alcohol use disorders.
Targeted naltrexone is a treatment for alcohol use disorder, particularly helpful for treating alcohol cravings, difficulty abstaining from alcohol consumption, and difficulty reducing alcohol intake. Naltrexone neutralizes the effect of opioids in the brain by binding with certain proteins called opioid receptors, which are sometimes alcohol-triggered. Alcohol modulates the release of naturally produced opioids called endorphins which bind to opioid receptors and cause temporary euphoria or depression in the central nervous system. Naltrexone mitigates alcohol-induced euphoria by reducing the number of receptors that opioids can bind to. The drug’s routes of administration are intramuscular injection (administered monthly) and oral. Naltrexone’s side effects include headaches, nausea, and weight loss. People with severe liver disease may not use the drug due to potential adverse metabolic complications. Naltrexone should not be consumed concurrently with opioids. Any licensed healthcare provider may prescribe naltrexone. According to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, patients should refrain from illegal opioids and opioid medication for at least 7-10 days before starting naltrexone to avoid the onset of rapid and intense alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
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AuthorWayne Macfadden MD: Expert in both Clinical and Research Psychiatry. Archives
March 2024
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