Vivitrol Side Effects: Getting The Full Picture

Vivitrol side effects can range from mild and manageable to serious and life-threatening. Common side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, and headache, while more serious side effects can include pneumonia, liver problems, and injection side reactions. You should be aware of the potential side effects of Vivitrol so you can weigh the risks and benefits of taking it for yourself. If you experience side effects, you will know if you should seek medical attention.

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a brand name for naltrexone, a drug used to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. [1] It is an extended-release intramuscular injection that helps prevent you from feeling like you need to use substances. It is injected by a healthcare professional once a month into your gluteal muscle. Vivitrol takes effect within two hours of the first day you receive an injection; it slowly releases the naltrexone into your body over the month.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Naltrexone in 2006 to treat alcohol use disorder and in 2010 to treat opioid use disorder. [2] Naltrexone can be prescribed and dispensed by any licensed medical practitioner. Since Vivitrol only needs to be administered once a month, it can improve compliance and provide an alternative for those who do not want to be on an agonist medication.

When Naltrexone is prescribed, it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and any additional services you may need or can benefit from.

How Vivitrol Works

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it prevents opioids from attaching to the opioid receptors, blocking their euphoric and sedative effects. It also suppresses cravings.[3] It accomplishes this by changing how parts of your body interact with each other, particularly your hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland. It is not an opioid, it is not addictive, and there are no withdrawal side effects when terminating use.

Vivitrol for Alcohol Use Disorder

Vivitrol is effective in suppressing the amount of alcohol you wish to drink. Vivitrol blocks the intoxication and euphoria (“buzz”) that you feel when you drink alcohol. Numerous studies show its effectiveness in reducing relapse, including any return to drinking and return to heavy drinking. Recently, it has been proposed that naltrexone could be used to address binge drinking.[4]

Once a person stops drinking alcohol, taking naltrexone helps them to maintain their sobriety. By binding to the endorphin receptors in the body, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol. It reduces alcohol cravings and the amount of alcohol consumed.

Vivitrol for Opioid Use Disorder

Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid antagonist that blocks opioids from binding to the receptors, preventing its euphoric (‘high’) and pain-relieving effects. The theory behind this treatment is that the consistent lack of the desired euphoric effects will lead to the perceived futility of abusing opioids, which will gradually diminish craving and addiction.

Naltrexone has no perceived effects following detoxification, has no potential for abuse, and is not addictive. Naltrexone is usually prescribed in outpatient medical settings to treat opioid addiction. However, the treatment should begin after medical detoxification in a residential setting to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

To reduce the risk of opioid use disorder withdrawal symptoms, you should wait seven days after using a short-acting opioid or 10 to 14 days after using a long-acting opioid before starting Naltrexone.[5] Those taking Naltrexone should not use any opioids, illicit drugs, alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or any other drug. People should discuss with their medical provider all medications they are currently on and any new medications added while on Naltrexone.

Common Vivitrol Side Effects

The following are some of the more frequently experienced side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience a side effect that does not go away or is difficult to deal with.

Common side effects of Vivitrol can include:[6]

• nausea
• vomiting
• decreased appetite
• sleepiness
• headache
• dizziness
• muscle cramps
• painful joints
• cold symptoms
• trouble sleeping
• toothache

While rare, Vivitrol has a few serious side effects you should know. If you experience any of them, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Serious side effects of Vivitrol can include:[7]

• Severe injection site reactions: intense pain; tissue death for which surgery may be required; swelling, lumps, or hardness; scabs, blisters, or open wounds
• Liver damage or hepatitis; stomach pain lasting more than a few days; dark urine; yellowing of the whites of your eyes; tiredness
• Serious allergic reactions: swelling of face, eyes, mouth, or tongue; skin rash; trouble breathing or wheezing; feeling dizzy or faint; chest pain
• Pneumonia: shortness of breath or wheezing; coughing that does not go away
• Depressed mood with or without suicidal thoughts

Warnings & Risk & Safety Issues

Taking Naltrexone can lead to an increased risk of accidental opioid overdose if you try to use opioids while in Naltrexone. This can happen in two ways: [8]

• Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids; some people try to override the blocking effect by taking a large amount of opioids. This can lead to serious injury, coma, and death.
• The blocking effects of Vivitrol slowly decrease over the month and completely disappear without another monthly injection. People who try to use opioids towards the end of the month or after they have discontinued Vivitrol may have a reduced tolerance to opioids. Taking the same amount or even a lower dose of opioids than they may have tolerated in the past can potentially lead to overdose and death.

You should not use Vivitrol if you: [9]

• currently use or are dependent on opioid-containing medicines or drugs.
• currently experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
• experience opioid withdrawal symptoms, this may indicate you still have opioids in your system.

Vivitrol & Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a pharmacological intervention for treating substance use disorders.[10] Medication-assisted treatment alleviates cravings and helps you overcome your physical dependence. You can build healthy psychological, social, and lifestyle changes through this stabilization. Research shows that it reduces substance use, overdoses, criminal activity, and other risky behaviors.

Medication-assisted treatment works best when: [11]

• It is voluntary. Mandatory treatment by social welfare or legal services is less effective.
• It is provided with additional social services and counseling.
• Medication doses are given at fixed and predictable times in safe locations.
• Treatment is individualized. Everyone reacts to medications differently and should be allowed to find the one that works best for them, including the needed support services.
• Barriers, such as insurance approval, clinic hours, and transportation—especially in rural communities—are removed, reducing the stigma against medication-assisted treatment so people can access the care they need.

Weighing The Risks Versus Benefits of Vivitrol

Vivitrol is an effective medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It is most effective when part of an addiction treatment program that includes counseling. However, it does come with the potential for side effects. Some Vivitrol side effects are mild and manageable, while others can be life-threatening.

While on Vivitrol, you should work closely with your prescribing healthcare professional. They should be aware of all other medications they are on to monitor for potential drug interactions and to intervene immediately in case they experience serious side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions