Vivitrol Side Effects: What to Expect When Taking Naltrexone

Starting on the path to recovery often involves considering various treatment options, including medications like Vivitrol. Used to prevent relapse in people recovering from opioid dependence and to treat alcohol dependence, Vivitrol can be a pivotal part of your treatment plan. Understanding the potential Vivitrol side effects is crucial to managing your health effectively.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what you might experience with Vivitrol, providing you with the information needed to make informed decisions about your recovery journey.

Vivitrol is a medicine that belongs to the opioid antagonist class of medications. It is mostly used to treat opioid addiction and alcohol addiction. Unlike other medications used for addiction treatment, Vivitrol contains no opioids. Instead, Vivitrol inhibits the effects of opioids in the body.

Naltrexone is the main ingredient in Vivitrol. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, preventing opioids from attaching to these receptors. Vivitrol decreases the pleasant effects of opioids and lessens cravings for them by inhibiting these receptors. This can be beneficial in helping individuals in overcoming opioid addiction and lowering the chance of recurrence.

Vivitrol is usually given as a monthly injection to the gluteal muscle by the physician. Vivitrol's extended-release formulation ensures that the medication is slowly delivered into the body over time. This eliminates the need for daily dosing. This also ensures that medication is available throughout the month.

Vivitrol is not a stand-alone addiction treatment. It works best with a thorough treatment strategy that includes counseling, therapy, and support services. These other components address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. They can considerably improve the odds of a successful recovery.

Vivitrol is primarily used for the treatment of opioid & alcohol dependence. It is an effective medication that helps individuals overcome addiction and maintain sobriety. Vivitrol is administered for opioid addiction as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

The plan includes counseling, therapy, and support services. It is often administered to individuals who have undergone detoxification & have abstained from opioids for a set duration of time.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol works by suppressing opioid effects in the brain, lowering cravings, and preventing individuals from getting high if they relapse. Vivitrol helps reduce alcohol cravings and prevents individuals from experiencing the pleasurable effects of alcohol. It is combined with counseling and behavioral therapy to provide an integrated approach to alcohol dependence treatment.

Is Vivitrol a “Cure” for Addiction?

Vivitrol is not a cure for addiction, but when administered as part of a complete treatment program, it can help with recovery.

Before beginning Vivitrol, you should visit a healthcare expert to assess your condition and establish whether it is a viable treatment option. This treatment process includes counseling, therapy, and support systems.

Vivitrol aids in maintaining sobriety, lowering the chance of relapse, and assisting persons in their recovery journey. Before deciding, consider the potential benefits against the risks associated with this medication.

In general, Vivitrol is an effective treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction. Providing individuals with the support they need to overcome addiction and maintain a sober lifestyle.

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Vivitrol, like any prescription drug, may have side effects. Understanding the potential side effects of Vivitrol is vital for those thinking about this treatment option. The intensity & frequency of side effects might differ from person to person, and not everyone will experience the same effects.

Common Side Effects of Vivitrol

• Nausea: Some people can experience nausea after receiving Vivitrol injections. This can vary from minor pain to severe nausea.

• Vomiting: Vivitrol treatment may cause vomiting in some patients. It is best to watch for any cases of prolonged or severe vomiting.

• Headache: Individuals on Vivitrol shots often experience headaches as a side effect. The strength and duration of these headaches can vary.

• Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when taking the Vivitrol dosage. It is best to avoid tasks that require mental or physical attentiveness until the dizziness goes away.

• Fatigue: As a side effect of Vivitrol treatment, fatigue or extreme weariness may occur. Allow your body to rest and indulge in relaxation-promoting activities.

• Injection site reactions: Vivitrol injections cause swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site. These reactions are often minor and temporary, lasting only a few days.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

• Serious allergic reactions: Although severe adverse effects of Vivitrol are uncommon, they can occur. Breathing difficulties, redness, itching, swelling of the face or throat, & severe dizziness are symptoms of an allergic reaction.

• Liver issues: Vivitrol can potentially cause liver issues in specific individuals. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), black urine, abdominal pain, and persistent tiredness are typical symptoms of liver disease.

• Mood swings: Vivitrol may affect mood in some people. Resulting in irritation, anxiety, or depression.

• Depression: In rare situations, Vivitrol treatment can worsen depression symptoms or cause new depressive episodes. If individuals have chronic depression, loss of interest, or thoughts of self-harm, it is best to seek counseling.

• Suicidal thoughts: In some rare conditions, Vivitrol has been linked to an elevated risk of self-harm in some people.

• Opioid withdrawal symptoms: If opioids are consumed while on Vivitrol, it can trigger severe and sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. This is because the medicine blocks opioid receptors in the brain. To avoid these withdrawal symptoms, avoid consuming opioids while taking Vivitrol.

Vivitrol is a drug licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcoholism. Here are some essential facts about Vivitrol's efficacy and benefits for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Reduces the Desire to Drink Alcohol

• Vivitrol reduces the desire to drink alcohol by suppressing the pleasure sensations it causes in the brain.

• The suppression of cravings helps individuals efforts to refrain from alcohol.

Prevents Relapse

• Relapse prevention is one of the key goals of Vivitrol treatment.

• Vivitrol minimizes the likelihood of relapse and promotes long-term abstinence by suppressing the euphoric effects of alcohol.

Improves Treatment Outcomes

• Vivitrol has been demonstrated to improve treatment outcomes for people with AUD when administered as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes counseling and psychological support.

• It can help them engage in therapy and create positive life changes.

Long-Acting Formulation

• Vivitrol is a monthly injection, ensuring continuous coverage and medication adherence.

• This eliminates the need for daily dosage, increasing convenience and lowering the likelihood of missing doses.

Non-Addictive

• Vivitrol is not addictive, and it does not cause euphoria or dependence.

• It acts by inhibiting opioid receptors in the brain without inducing drunkenness.

Improved Liver Health

• Alcohol misuse can be harmful to one's liver health.

• Vivitrol therapy has been shown in studies to improve liver enzymes and overall liver function for individuals with AUD.

Safety Profile

• Vivitrol has undergone considerable research and has a well-established safety profile when used as directed.

• Injection site reactions, nausea, headache, and fatigue are all common side effects.

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Vivitrol itself is not addictive. Vivitrol is an opioid and alcohol addiction treatment medication. It works by preventing the effects of opioids and reducing alcohol cravings, allowing people to stay sober and avoid relapse. When used as directed, Vivitrol does not cause euphoria or a "high" like opioids or alcohol.

Vivitrol is not addictive since it is not an opioid and does not induce any addictive effects. It is frequently used as part of medication-assisted treatment programs to assist individuals in breaking the cycle of addiction and promoting recovery.

While Vivitrol is not addictive, users must stick to the prescribed treatment plan and not quit the medicine without first talking with a healthcare expert. Stopping Vivitrol treatment abruptly may raise the likelihood of relapse and withdrawal symptoms.

Individuals who have a history of addiction may still be vulnerable to acquiring addiction to other substances. As a result, continuing support, counseling, and therapy are critical components of a complete treatment plan aimed at addressing the underlying causes and psychological aspects of addiction.

Vivitrol is similar to Suboxone…but there’s some differences as well:

Effectiveness in Reducing Cravings and Relapse

• Vivitrol has been proven to help lower opioid and alcohol cravings and prevent relapse when used as part of a full treatment regimen.

• Suboxone has also been shown to be useful in lowering cravings and preventing relapse. It helps in the management of withdrawal symptoms and the stabilization of individuals during the early phases of treatment.

Administration and Dosage

• Vivitrol is administered once a month as a long-acting injection by a healthcare professional.

• Suboxone is taken daily as sublingual tablets or film, commonly placed under the tongue.

Timing of Initiation

• To avoid causing withdrawal symptoms, individuals must remain opioid-free for a specified amount of time, often 7-10 days, before starting Vivitrol treatment.

• Suboxone can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings early in the treatment process, especially during the detoxification phase.

Risk of Withdrawal

• Vivitrol does not have a risk of withdrawal because of its mode of action. Individuals should be aware of the possibility of opioid withdrawal if they consume opioids while taking Vivitrol.

• Suboxone's partial opioid agonist properties can lead to withdrawal symptoms if stopped quickly. It is advised to gradually reduce the medicine under physician supervision.

Suitability for Different Stages of Treatment

• Vivitrol is frequently recommended for people who have finished detoxification and are no longer addicted to opioids. It is appropriate for those committed to abstaining from opioids or alcohol.

• Suboxone is frequently administered in the early phases of treatment, particularly detoxification, to help control withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and ease the transition to a stable recovery.

Medical Supervision and Compliance

• Because Vivitrol is administered by a healthcare practitioner as a monthly injection, following the dosing schedule is essential to its effectiveness.

• Suboxone requires daily use, and following the prescribed dosage and instructions is necessary for the best results.

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Vivitrol, known generically as naltrexone, is an extended-release medication that remains active in the body for about 30 days after injection. The duration can vary between individuals. Its gradual release helps manage cravings and prevent opioid or alcohol relapse by blocking opioid receptors as its effects taper towards the end of the dose cycle.

To sustain its benefits and reduce the risk of relapse, continued treatment combining Vivitrol with counseling and behavioral therapies is recommended. Regular monthly injections are necessary to maintain consistent coverage and effectiveness.

Always follow the dosing schedule advised by healthcare professionals.

Understanding the side effects of Vivitrol is essential for those considering it as part of their recovery journey. While this medication can play a significant role in managing addiction, awareness of its impacts helps in making informed health decisions.

The Edge Treatment Center uses Vivitrol as well as other prescription medications as part of our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. We've seen how drugs like Vivitrol help many turn their lives around.

Their stories can be yours, too.

At The Edge Treatment Center, we are here to support you every step of the way. Should you have concerns about Vivitrol or require further assistance in your recovery, our dedicated team is ready to provide the guidance and care you need. Together, we can work towards a successful recovery and a healthier future.

Reach out today to learn more.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

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