In clinical trials of Vivitrol, there was no data on how many people had an allergic reaction. Vivitrol contains the drug naltrexone, which is in a class of drugs called opioid antagonists. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Vivitrol isn’t approved to be used in children.

Does Vivitrol cause weight gain?

• The recommended dose for most patients is a 50 mg daily oral naltrexone pill.
• Headaches were also reported in people who took Vivitrol for opioid dependence.
• Asking questions is key to a good conversation with your healthcare provider.
• Vivitrol is a medication that’s used to prevent relapse (going back to taking opioid medications).
• Dopamine creates pleasant feelings and sends signals that make your body want to drink alcohol again.

Did you know that alcohol contributes to the many deaths in the US every year? In fact, more than 140,000 people lose their lives to alcohol-related issues. A widespread problem that affects individuals and communities around the world. For those struggling with alcohol addiction, finding effective treatment options is very important to start living a life of sobriety.

Can You Still Get Drunk While Using Naltrexone?

For opioid use disorder, the extended-release injectable form of naltrexone is preferred because it requires only one injection each month. Research suggests that this leads to greater medication compliance. Because of these risks, it’s very important to always wear a medical alert bracelet or dog tag during Vivitrol treatment.

Vivitrol vs. naltrexone

Monthly naltrexone injections should not be used by people who have acute hepatitis or liver failure. Naltrexone injection is a medication that is used in conjunction with other methods to treat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. The medication has become one of the most effective pharmaceutical treatments for alcohol use disorder. It’s used to treat alcohol dependence in adults who have stopped drinking and aren’t in the hospital for treatment.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Naltrexone

Some people may need to take a higher dose to feel the effects of naltrexone. Alternatively, others adjust their dosage in order to avoid side effects. Although naltrexone is generally well-tolerated, some side effects like headaches and nausea can occur for some individuals. Your physician can adjust your dosage in order to minimize side effects. Vivitrol, also known by its generic name naltrexone, is a medication approved by the U.S.

You might eventually start craving that reward in new situations. But in spite of your goals and no matter how committed you are to changing your habits around drinking, avoiding alcohol https://ecosoberhouse.com/ might prove a little more difficult than you expected. Research findings do not suggest that naltrexone is a cure-all for alcoholism.

Can Vivitrol be taken to help me lose weight?

It affects a person’s health how to stop alcohol cravings on various planes, i.e., physical, social, and psychological well-being. This is why approaching the issue of alcoholism needs holistic treatment that involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and medications. In addition, heavy drinkers often notice significant reductions in alcohol use.

What should I know about Vivitrol vs. naltrexone?

However, it was much more difficult to start having people take Vivitrol than Suboxone. Before starting to use Vivitrol, you can’t take any opioid medications for 7 to 10 days. On the other hand, you can start to take Suboxone even if you’ve taken an opioid drug in the last 7 to 10 days. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Vivitrol to treat opioid dependence and alcohol dependence. These drugs are both used to treat opioid dependence (also called opioid use disorder). Headaches were also reported in people who took Vivitrol for opioid dependence.

Critical addiction studies

Methadone is a generic drug, whereas Vivitrol is a brand-name drug. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Vivitrol can cause decreased appetite in some people, which may lead to weight loss. But Vivitrol isn’t approved for weight loss and should not be used for this purpose. If you stop treatment with Vivitrol, you shouldn’t have withdrawal symptoms.

What should I know about Vivitrol vs. Suboxone?

To learn more about how Vivitrol is used for these conditions, see the “Is Vivitrol used for alcohol dependence? Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, can cause liver damage or hepatitis. Vivitrol is an extended-release suspension that is injected into your gluteal muscle. Once injected, it slowly releases naltrexone (the active ingredient) for about a month. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Vivitrol. You should refer to the prescribing information for Vivitrol for a complete list of interactions.