Naltrexone for Alcohol Use

Peter ForsterPhysical Conditions and Health

Naltrexone is one of several new medications (the others are topirimate and acamprosate) that has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse in people with alcohol use disorders. But naltrexone is used relatively rarely for this purpose. A new study suggests that it may be possible to predict which patients are especially likely to respond to naltrexone treatment. The …

Weight Loss Medication

Peter ForsterPhysical Conditions and Health

A new pill with the brand name Contrave was recently approved for the treatment of obesity by the FDA. This pill is an extended release, fixed dose, combination of two previously approved medications: bupropion, a commonly used antidepressant which has also been approved as an aid to those were trying to stop smoking, and naltrexone, a medication that blocks the …