What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a prescription medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support patients in overcoming opioid addiction or alcohol addiction. Vivitrol is an extended-release form of naltrexone that is an injectable form. Patients will inject this medication into their intramuscular system once a month. Vivitrol works to stop the euphoric and sedation effects of opioids and alcohol. For this reason, Vivitrol is recommended for patients seeking support in quitting their use of opioids and alcohol.
Vivitrol Effects
Vivitrol, and any other forms of naltrexone, works to impact the central nervous system and block the effects of these depressants, specifically opioids or alcohol. Vivitrol will work to prevent the effects of these substances including euphoria or sedation. Once Vivitrol is in your system, individuals will experience a significant decrease in the onset of opioid cravings or alcohol cravings. Vivitrol will block and bind the opioid receptors in the brain preventing you from feeling the effects of substance abuse if you were to use opioids or alcohol. Vivitrol can act as an effective relapse prevention method for those in early addiction recovery as it will prohibit them from getting high or intoxicated should they return to substance abuse.
Signs of Vivitrol Abuse and Addiction
Since Vivitrol is used to support those in addiction treatment, when you are within an addiction treatment program, specifically a medication-assisted treatment program, you will be under observation and medical supervision throughout your time taking Vivitrol. This reduces the risk of patients abusing Vivitrol. As Vivitrol works to block and bind opioid receptors in your brain when you attempt to use opioids or alcohol, you will not be able to experience or feel the high or intoxication from alcohol or opioids should you relapse during this time.
Vivitrol Withdrawal Symptoms
Typically, most patients will not experience withdrawal symptoms from Vivitrol as it is a non-habit-forming medication that is used as a method to treat substance use disorders. However, there are some cases, where patients may experience side effects from taking this drug including the following:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Body aches or pains
Long Term Side Effects of Vivitrol Abuse
Most patients that are taking Vivitrol will do so within a medication-assisted treatment program. During this time, your physical and mental health will be monitored by medical professionals who will monitor any changes in your overall health and well-being. There is typically little to no risk of developing long-term or serious side effects. However, there are some rare cases where individuals will experience the following side effects:
- Liver damage
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Changes in white blood cell count
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Hypersensitivity to drugs
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Suicidal ideations
Vivitrol Addiction Treatment
Our compassionate team at TruPath is dedicated to your success in addiction recovery. We see the unique value and potential in each of our patients and work hard to provide you with a personalized treatment plan that is centered around your specific needs for personal growth and healing. If you have tried to overcome your opioid addiction or alcohol addiction before and have experienced failed attempts at doing so or if this is your first time, our team will be by your side every step of the way as you successfully overcome your drug and alcohol addiction for good. Contact TruPath today to have any of your questions answered about medication-assisted treatment programs and begin your recovery journey now.