Naltrexone is an μ opioid receptor antagonist that is used in alcohol
and opiate use disorder. Naltrexone does not constitute tolerance
and dependence, and cessation of the drug does not cause withdrawal
symptoms. Sustained release form of naltrexone has been developed
due to patient compliance issues. There is currently only one sustainedrelease
form available in Turkey, which is inserted subcutaneously.
In this case report, we present, a probable serious side effect of sustained
release naltrexone implant. A 36 years old male with alcohol use
disorder, developed a sudden clouding of consciousness one hour after
the naltrexone implant application followed by anterograde amnesia
in the next 8-10 hours. We were not able to detect any medical or
neurological reasons for the altered mental status but after the removal
of the naltrexone implant, the symptoms improved. To the best of our
knowledge, this is the first case to report clouding of consciousness and
anterograde amnesia after naltrexone implantation.
Keywords: Naltrexone Implant, Side Effect, Alcohol Use Disorder,
Lethargy, Consciousness