Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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Vivitrol is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved intramuscular injection of the pharmaceutical drug naltrexone. It is classified as an opioid antagonist used to treat alcoholism and drug abuse after an initial detoxification period.
Naltrexone differs from other medications for alcohol dependence, such as disulfiram. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which decreases the desire to drink alcohol.
Vivitrol is part of comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment and drug recovery programs. Anyone currently using opioids, including methadone, should not take it. This may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms to occur.
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Vivitrol is an effective treatment for alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Other treatments, such as Acamprosate, are designed to promote alcohol abstinence through adverse side effects. Vivitrol is different.
Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors and negates the reward-based feelings of drinking alcohol. It essentially limits alcohol’s ability to reach the reward centers of your brain.
Vivitrol has proven its efficacy. A National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) study found that a monthly Vivitrol shot is as effective as a daily pill of buprenorphine and naloxone.
Clinical evidence suggests that Vivitrol is more effective in diminishing heavy drinking among men than women. However, this may be due to the nature of the injections. Vivitrol is better absorbed intramuscularly (inside muscle tissue) than subcutaneously (inside fatty tissue).
On average, men tend to be able to take on more intramuscular medication than women. Regardless of sex or gender, Vivitrol works best when administered as part of a more extensive rehab program or treatment plan.
Many people who take Vivitrol injections do not experience any side effects. However, Vivitrol can cause unpleasant and potentially serious physical reactions for some users. These include:
Vivitrol can also cause neurological side effects, such as:
If people have traces of opiate recovery medications in their system, they may develop severe withdrawal symptoms. A healthcare provider should be notified immediately if any of the following occur:
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According to the FDA and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there aren’t any significant dangers or interactions with drinking alcohol while taking Vivitrol. However, if you’re using Vivitrol to treat AUD, you shouldn’t drink alcohol.
It is important to start Vivitrol only after drinking has stopped for several days. The FDA only approves using Vivitrol for people who have stopped drinking alcohol and who can avoid drinking during outpatient treatment.
The FDA and NIAAA state that drinking alcohol while taking Vivitrol will not:
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Medical providers commonly prescribe Vivitrol in substance abuse treatment plans. However, the FDA has determined that some people are not qualified to receive Vivitrol. This includes people:
Healthcare professionals typically recognize the most common symptoms of opioid withdrawal symptoms as:
Vivitrol is generally considered safe when used according to a doctor’s prescription and under the supervision of a health care provider. However, you must keep certain precautions in mind. These include:
Even though Vivitrol’s abuse potential is low and not known to be addictive, do not use Vivitrol unless prescribed by a doctor. Taking naltrexone without professional medical advice may do you more harm than good.
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