Who Can Get Naltrexone Over the Counter

Find out if it’s possible for anyone to purchase naltrexone over the counter, and what the OTC designation means for any medication.

What You’ll Discover

• What “over the counter” means.
• Whether it’s possible to purchase naltrexone over the counter.
• What influences the consumer availability of naltrexone.
• Alternatives to getting naltrexone over the counter.

You can buy a lot of medications over the counter, including some that were once prescription only. A good example of this is the Plan B pill. When it first gained FDA-approval in 1999 it could only be obtained through a prescription. It didn’t become available over the counter until 2006. Narcan (naloxone) is another example of this prescription to over the counter transition. It was initially a prescription medication in 2015 and the nasal spray didn’t get approved for over the counter purchase until 2023.

Anyone who’s serious about curbing their alcohol consumption is probably wondering, is naltrexone available over the counter? After all, naltrexone comes in a pill form like many other over the counter medications. For the answer to that question and more information on over the counter medications, continue reading.

What Over the Counter Means For Consumers

When it comes to medications, they generally fall into one of three categories:

• Some medications are strictly administered by doctors in a medical setting and aren’t even available by prescription.
• Then there are prescription medications that consumers can purchase from a pharmacy if they have a valid prescription from a licensed physician.
• Finally, there are FDA-approved medications that can be purchased by a consumer without a prescription.

The last group is what’s known as over the counter (OTC) medications. Common OTC medications include acetaminophen, antacids and allergy medicines. While it’s always best to see a doctor if you aren’t feeling well, that isn’t necessary to purchase an over the counter medication.

However, it should be noted that today there are some limitations to buying over the counter drugs. Namely, some OTC medications can’t be purchased by minors. These include schedule V medications, pseudoephedrine medications and medications containing dextromethorphan (DXM). In the latter case, the purchaser often needs to be 21 or older.

Another OTC caveat is location. The sale of over the counter medications can vary from state to state, with some states being more restrictive than others. There could even be differences between jurisdictions in a state. Retailers and pharmacies may also have their own policies for the sale of over the counter medications.

Can Anyone Get Naltrexone Over the Counter?

Currently, no one can purchase naltrexone over the counter, not even a medical professional such as a doctor or licensed counselor. Let’s take a closer look at why naltrexone isn’t an OTC medication and how someone can get it.

Naltrexone has been FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder. As we previously discussed, naltrexone isn’t an OTC medication largely due to potential side effects and dosage monitoring.

It’s important for users to consult with a prescribing physician that can fully assess their health and the severity of their alcohol consumption to get the dosage right. Monitoring the response to the medication is also important in case adjustments need to be made.

Easier Way to Get Naltrexone Than Over the Counter

The silver lining is that there’s actually an easier way to get naltrexone than buying it over the counter. It’s possible to consult with a physician and get a prescription for naltrexone online.

Online prescriptions are regulated by federal laws like the Ryan Haight Act as well as state laws. Long before the pandemic, online prescriptions were possible, however, telehealth services became essential during the shutdowns. Since the pandemic, restrictions have been lifted so that prescribing medications online doesn’t require an in-person consultation first. Modern technology has also made it easier for physicians to remotely assess patients almost exactly as they would in-person.

Patients can rest easy knowing that legitimate telehealth services are highly regulated. In fact, the DEA enforces even more restrictions for online prescriptions than in-person prescriptions. In early 2025, the DEA announced additional regulations that were being put in place to ensure patient safety.

If you’re interested in learning more about the possibility of getting a naltrexone prescription online Choose Your Horizon is a highly reputable, licensed provider. The first step is taking the online Alcohol Use Assessment. From there, you’ll be able to consult with a qualified physician to learn more about receiving an online prescription and getting the medication shipped directly to your home.

Ultimately, it’s an even more convenient and confidential way to get medication that can help you significantly reduce alcohol consumption or stop drinking altogether.

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