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ABSTRACT
Background
Naltrexone is used as an anti-craving agent for maintenance phase treatment in substance use disorders including cannabis. Psychosis has rarely been described as an adverse effect because of Naltrexone use. Rather, in adolescents, it is used for managing behavioral symptoms in autism, learning difficulties, etc. We are presenting a case report of psychotic symptoms associated with Naltrexone use, in a 16 years old adolescent boy which is quite uncommon.
Method
The boy presented with complaints of craving for cannabis with a history of cannabis dependence for 3 years, last use 1.5 months before admission. He was pharmacologically started on oral Naltrexone 25 mg, for craving. After 3 days, patient developed psychotic symptoms. The symptoms showed significant improvement after withholding Naltrexone.
Result
In the index case, psychotic symptoms appeared on day 3 of starting Naltrexone, continued for time Naltrexone was continued, and stopped by 3–4 days of stopping the tablets. These findings suggest that psychotic symptoms could have been associated with naltrexone use.
Conclusion
Clinicians should be aware of the potential emergence of psychosis associated with naltrexone.
KEYWORDS:
Acknowledgments
Authors would like to thank the family members of the patient who provided informed consent for this case report.