naltrexone + sertraline

Naltrexone + sertraline is a combination of two approved pharmaceutical drugs—naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, and sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This combination has been studied for the treatment of patients with co-occurring major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence. Naltrexone acts by blocking opioid receptors involved in the rewarding effects of alcohol, thereby reducing cravings and relapse risk. Sertraline increases synaptic serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake, alleviating depressive symptoms. Clinical trials have shown that this combination can produce higher rates of alcohol abstinence and longer delays before relapse to heavy drinking compared to either drug alone or placebo. The combination also appears to improve depression outcomes in this population[1][2][3][5].