Common Side Effects of Vivitrol

What is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release form of naltrexone, a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. Vivitrol is typically administered every four weeks through an intramuscular injection given by a licensed practitioner.^1,2

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol and other naltrexone medications block the euphoric effects and feelings associated with alcohol and opioids, reduce cravings, and help prevent relapse.^1,3 It does this by blocking opioid receptors and preventing those feelings of euphoria, intoxication, and sedation, which can discourage relapse and suppress alcohol and opioid cravings.³

What are the Side Effects of Vivitrol?

Like any medication, Vivitrol and other naltrexone medications, even when taken as directed, can cause side effects, which tend to be mild but may include:^2,4

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle cramps.
• Upper abdominal pain.
• Decreased appetite.
• Injection site pain and complications.

Potential reactions at the injection site include pain, bumps, blistering, and skin lesions that may require surgery, although this is rare. Patients taking Vivitrol should contact a healthcare provider if they have any reactions at the injection site.⁴

But Vivitrol and other naltrexone medications are not for everyone. Individuals should inform their doctors if they can say yes to any of the following:²

• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are currently using opioids or alcohol
• Are currently having pain and are being treated with opioid analgesics
• Are currently experiencing acute opioid withdrawal
• Have hemophilia or other bleeding disorders
• Are pregnant or breast feeding
• Have had hypersensitivity or prior reactions to naltrexone

Blocking the opioid receptors, which as was previously mentioned, is how Vivitrol works, can also trigger withdrawal symptoms. This is why naltrexone medications, like Vivitrol, are indicated for individuals who have undergone medically managed detox and are no longer physically dependent on alcohol or opioids or using these substances.^1,2

Additionally, individuals should be opioid-free for a minimum of 7-10 days (or at least 14 days for individuals who have been taking methadone for more than 3 weeks) before beginning Vivitrol or other naltrexone medication.^2,4

Taking opioids while on Vivitrol or other naltrexone medication is very dangerous. That’s because Vivitrol may lower an individual’s tolerance for opioids, resulting in a greater sensitivity to lower doses of opioids and increasing their risk for overdose and respiratory depression.⁴ 

Patients may be more sensitive to the effects of lower amounts of opioids:⁵

• After stopping opioids (detoxification)
• When the next Vivitrol dose is due
• If a dose of Vivitrol is missed
• After Vivitrol treatment stops

Family and close contacts should be aware of this increased sensitivity and risk.⁵

How Does Vivitrol Help Me During Addiction Treatment?

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, it is important to consider all available treatment options. Medications like Vivitrol are just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan, which also includes counseling and behavioral health therapies for alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder.¹

How effective can Vivitrol and other naltrexone medications be in the treatment of alcohol or opioid addiction? While studies are limited due to follow-up, there is evidence that extended-release naltrexone—when used in conjunction with other interventions like counseling—was associated with a lower rate of opioid relapse when compared to treatment without it.⁶ Another small study showed better treatment retention rates when injectable naltrexone was used as part of a treatment plan compared to treatment without it for those with alcohol addiction.⁴

How to Find Vivitrol Therapy Near Me

As previously mentioned, Vivitrol and other naltrexone medications are one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.³ Individuals can obtain Vivitrol from licensed practitioners, who may prescribe it or administer it on an inpatient or outpatient basis.¹

Why Choose AAC For Medication-Assisted Treatment?

If you or someone you care about struggles with alcohol or opioid addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. AAC operates treatment centers throughout the United States and offers all levels of care, provides evidence-based therapies, and creates customized treatment plans—which may include medication for addiction treatment—to meet your individual needs. Call to speak with a knowledgeable admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, explain your options, verify your insurance, and help you begin the process of long-term recovery.