naltrexone pines Naltrexone: Drug Used to Help Addicts May Also Help Kleptomaniacs

According to a new study, Naltrexone, a drug usually used to treat drug addiction and alcohol dependency, may help treat kleptomaniacs as well. U.S. researchers stated earlier this week that the drug may be able to help subdue the urge to steal and the “thrill” that is thought to drive the actions of kleptomaniacs.

Naltrexone has shown positive affects on kleptomaniacs which reported significantly less stealing behavior as apposed to those patients who simply took a placebo. The study concentrated on 25 individuals who claimed they spent at least one hour a week stealing.

Currently, Naltrexone is sold under the brand names Depade and Revia. However, the drug is only approved for use against opiate abuse and alcoholism. Further research and studies could lead to the approval of Naltrexone for the treatment of kleptomania.  

In some countries including the United States, an extended-release formulation is marketed under the trade name Vivitrol. It should not be confused with naloxone, which is used in emergency cases of overdose rather than for longer-term dependence control. This is not to say that Naltrexone cannot be used to reverse an overdose from opioids, since being a full antagonist, it will reverse an overdose. However, given that Naltrexone is a longer-acting antagonist, naloxone would be a more ideal antidote in emergency situations.