Each person’s unique requirements and conditions determine if Vivitrol is the best treatment for their alcohol use disorder (AUD). If your doctor has prescribed this medication, they believe it will help you recover more quickly. However, it’s crucial to remember that Vivitrol isn’t the only medication for AUD.
Medical Disclaimer
However, most medical professionals recommend that Vivitrol be administered for at least one year for a better outcome. Vivitrol is most effective when used in conjunction with other elements of a MAT program to help individuals in recovery decrease the risk of relapse, reduce cravings, and maintain long-term abstinence. Vivitrol doesn’t instantly reduce cravings for alcohol; it takes time for it to produce effects. Therefore, it’s critical not to miss any Vivitrol shots when pursuing treatment for AUD to gain the full benefits of this medication. Missing a scheduled injection can dramatically impair the effectiveness of the next dose.
- Patients should expect withdrawal symptoms to be generally the same as when drinking the same amount not on Vivitrol — including anxiety, shaky hands, headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and sweating.
- Vivitrol combined with counseling and therapy has a 90% success rate in helping people achieve sobriety.
- However, it’s crucial to remember that Vivitrol isn’t the only medication for AUD.
- Vivitrol is an extended-release suspension that is injected into your gluteal muscle.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, legally or illegally.
Is naltrexone a controlled substance?
Vivitrol is an injectable form of extended-release naltrexone prescribed for MAT (medication-assisted treatment). It is administered intramuscularly into the buttocks by a healthcare provider once a month in a clinical setting. Vivitrol is a non-addictive and non-narcotic prescription medication with a low risk of misuse and dependence.
Alternative Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder
An individual should wait at least seven days after their last use of a short-acting opioid, or at least 10 to 14 days after their last use of a long-acting opioid, before getting Vivitrol. Sometimes this leads to suicide, or suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behavior. Tell your family members and people closest to you that you are taking VIVITROL. Some patients report that they can get a buzz if they drink much more than usual, which is very dangerous. Drinking extra to try to get a buzz on Vivitrol can lead to alcohol poisoning, which causes coma and death. Surgery that involves anesthesia can be challenging with Vivitrol.
One of the main risks of drinking while on Vivitrol is that it can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, which can help to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. However, if an individual drinks alcohol while on Vivitrol, it can reduce the amount of naltrexone that is available to block these receptors.
- It also prevents the person from feeling the full euphoric effects of opioids or alcohol.
- While Vivitrol can be effective in helping individuals maintain sobriety, it is important to understand what can happen if you drink while on Vivitrol.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcohol use disorder.
- Alkermes disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose.
- Join the Vivitrol group to help and get support from people like you.
You must stop taking opioids before you start receiving VIVITROL. To be effective, VIVITROL must be used with other alcohol or drug recovery programs such as counseling. It is not known if VIVITROL is safe and effective in children. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any opioid-containing medicines for pain, cough or colds, or diarrhea. Talk to your healthcare provider about naloxone, a medicine that is available to patients for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose.
The 6 Stages of Mental Health Recovery
Vivitrol is a medication that should only be taken after a person has fully detoxed from alcohol and opioids. Beginning Vivitrol after recent substance use could complicate a person’s treatment plan. Your healthcare provider may need to stop treating you with VIVITROL if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem.
We receive compensation from Treatment X in exchange for can you drink on the vivitrol shot ad placement. This advertisement is clearly marked and is separate from our editorial content. Vivitrol blocks opioid receptors in the brain, which prevents them from fully activating. Opioid receptors are activated by drugs containing opioids (heroin, morphine) or natural endorphins.
Can you drink alcohol on Vivitrol or will you get sick?
The recommended dose of Vivitrol is 380 mg delivered intramuscularly (IM) as a gluteal injection, every 4 weeks or once a month, alternating buttocks for each subsequent injection. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Vivitrol affects you. The majority of injection site reactions are moderate and resolve on their own. However, certain negative reactions, such as tissue death, may necessitate surgery.
Starting Vivitrol too early can trigger opioid withdrawal symptoms. If the reaction is serious, emergency medical help should be sought immediately. Additionally, the person should reach out to their addiction treatment support professionals to address the situation as a relapse and determine how to get back on track in recovery. Vivitrol helps to prevent overdose if the person takes opioids while the medication is in the system. It also prevents the person from feeling the full euphoric effects of opioids or alcohol. Vivitrol can help reduce the urge to drink but should be used as part of a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program that includes counseling.
Reduced Efficacy of Vivitrol
Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. Patients sometimes report withdrawal symptoms are worse when on Vivitrol, but it’s more likely that they drank more to try to get to a “buzz” that doesn’t happen. Calling the number is free and confidential, but treatment services may involve costs depending on your insurance coverage and the level of care required.
Prior to getting a Vivitrol shot, individuals should be fully detoxed from opioids, including illicit opioids like heroin and prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. If patients drink on Vivitrol, the positive association with alcohol is weakened. Knowing that they will not get the release of endorphins, patients become less likely to drink and urges for drinking decrease.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder, including nine million men and 5.5 million women. Vivitrol-induced depression can sometimes become severe, leading to suicidal behavior and thoughts. As a result, if you’re feeling depressed, hopeless, helpless, or have suicidal or self-harming thoughts, you must seek medical attention immediately. To avoid precipitated withdrawal from Vivitrol, people with opioid use disorder should undergo full detoxification and be opioid-free before getting a Vivitrol shot. Use the Provider Locator to find a healthcare provider near you who can discuss VIVITROL.
Vivitrol can be taken with most medications without adverse issues. Using opioids while on Vivitrol can be deadly, while drinking alcohol while on Vivitrol is generally just unpleasant. It is also important to note that drinking while on Vivitrol can increase the risk of developing other health problems.