Vivitrol is an extended-release, injectable form of naltrexone. Naltrexone is a medication that is FDA-approved to treat alcohol and opioid use disorder, or addiction.
Scientific research shows that Vivitrol can:
- help reduce the desire to drink alcohol
- reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids
- reduce the risk of relapse
- help individuals maintain abstinence
Vivitrol is a non-addictive medication. It is administered monthly by a licensed healthcare provider in the form of an intramuscular injection.
Find out more about using Naltrexone during addiction treatment
What Does Vivitrol Do?
Vivitrol is a long-acting medication that blocks the effects of the illicit opioid heroin and prescription opiates such as oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and hydrocodone.
Vivitrol can also reduce cravings for alcohol and help people who are abstinent from alcohol maintain their sobriety, essentially by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol.
How A Vivitrol Injection Works
Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release injection containing naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids.
This is not a take-home medication. Receiving this medication requires monthly appointments with a healthcare professional.
Who can administer Vivitrol:
- physicians
- physician assistants
- nurse practitioners
- pharmacists
Vivitrol is injected intramuscularly into the buttocks every four weeks, or once a month, after an individual has fully detoxed from other opioids.
After this injection, Vivitrol will begin to take effect about two hours after administration, then peak again two to three days later.
Read more about how the Vivitrol shot works
What Are The Side Effects Of Vivitrol?
Like any prescription medication, Vivitrol can cause certain side effects.
Common side effects of Vivitrol include:
- nausea
- upset stomach
- decreased appetite
- headache
- anxiety
- drowsiness
- joint pain
Some of these side effects, including nausea, may fade with time as the body adjusts to the drug.
Serious side effects, while rare, can also occur. If you or someone you know does experience an adverse reaction, contact your prescribing doctor right away.
Read more about the side effects of Vivitrol
Liver Damage
Vivitrol may not be suitable for people who have a history of liver failure or severe liver disease. Before taking Vivitrol, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver damage.
Read more about how Vivitrol affects the liver
Sleep Troubles
People who are taking Vivitrol may have difficulty falling or staying asleep while receiving this medication.
Read more about insomnia caused by Vivitrol
Withdrawal Symptoms
Vivitrol is not habit-forming and does not result in withdrawal from stopped use.
However, it can precipitate severe opioid withdrawal in people who take it with opioids in their system. For this reason, Vivitrol is only recommended for use following detox.
Learn more about precipitated withdrawal from taking Vivitrol
Effects On Pregnancy
Before taking Vivitrol, be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding. The effects of Vivitrol on pregnancy are not well-documented.
If needed, Vivitrol may be taken during pregnancy if your doctor determines that the benefits of your treatment outweigh the potential risks of discontinuing your use of Vivitrol.
Read more about taking Vivitrol while pregnant
Effects Of Mixing Vivitrol With Other Substances
Vivitrol can interact with other substances, including certain illicit drugs and prescription drugs.
Effects Of Taking Opioids While On Vivitrol
Taking opioids while on Vivitrol should be avoided, for two reasons. First, Vivitrol can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms if it is taken after recent opioid use.
Second, taking opioids while on Vivitrol is also a risk factor for overdose, due to the fact that Vivitrol can make it harder to know when you’ve taken enough to overdose.
Read more about taking opiates/opioids while on Vivitrol
Other Vivitrol Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with Vivitrol, or modify its effects. This includes opioid-containing cough, cold, or antidiarrheal medicines.
Read more about how Vivitrol interacts with other drugs
Vivitrol Dosing
Vivitrol is only available in a single, 380 milligram (mg) dose. This dose is administered once every four weeks, or once-monthly.
When To Start Taking Vivitrol
Vivitrol should not be taken before or during detoxification. Getting Vivitrol with opioids still in your system could cause acute opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Read more about how long you should be sober before taking Vivitrol
When To Start Taking Vivitrol For Opioid Use Disorder
You should wait at least seven days after last use of a short-acting opioid (e.g. heroin), or up to 14 days after last use of a long-acting opioid (e.g. methadone) before taking Vivitrol.
When To Start Taking Vivitrol For Alcohol Use Disorder
For people with alcohol use disorder, Vivitrol should not be taken if you are still physically dependent on alcohol. Vivitrol should only be taken following detox.
Vivitrol Duration: How Long Does The Injection Last?
Vivitrol is an extended-release injection with effects that last about 30 days for most people. To provide the maximum benefit, it is administered every four weeks, or once a month.
Read more about how long Vivitrol lasts
Length Of Vivitrol Treatment
Vivitrol can be safely taken for weeks, months, or even years, depending on your treatment goals and other personal needs related to your continued recovery.
Read more about how long Vivitrol treatment lasts
Alternatives To Vivitrol
Vivitrol is one of several medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance use disorders, along with other psychosocial support services.
Alternatives To Vivitrol For Opioid Use Disorder
Vivitrol (naltrexone) is one of three medications that are FDA-approved to treat opioid dependence and addiction, with the others being:
- Methadone: A full opioid agonist and long-acting medication, also known by brand names Dolophine and Methadose.
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist medication, also known as Subutex, Suboxone (with naloxone), and Zubsolv (with naloxone).
Alternatives To Vivitrol For Alcohol Use Disorder
Vivitrol is one of three medications that are FDA-approved as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options for alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism.
Alternatives to Vivitrol include:
- Acamprosate: Also known as Campral, acamprosate is a drug that is taken in tablet form up to three times a day to help prevent drinking.
- Disulfiram: An alcohol antagonist medication, also known as Antabuse, that can make a person feel physically sick if they drink alcohol.
- Oral naltrexone: A tablet or pill form of Vivitrol that is typically taken once a day.
Is Vivitrol The Same As Naltrexone?
Vivitrol is a brand name for a drug that contains naltrexone. Although a generic version of Vivitrol isn’t available, naltrexone is available in pill form, also known as oral naltrexone.
Switching From Other Medications To Vivitrol
Switching to Vivitrol from another medication for opioid use disorder, such as methadone or Suboxone, is possible with clinical support.
Switching From Methadone To Vivitrol
Making the switch from methadone to Vivitrol for opioid addiction treatment is a process that can take up to two weeks or longer.
The amount of time this takes will depend on factors such as how long you’ve been taking methadone, your maintenance dose, and other health-related factors.
Read more about switching from Methadone to Vivitrol
Switching From Suboxone To Vivitrol
Those who have been maintained on Suboxone who wish to start taking Vivitrol for opioid addiction treatment should be fully detoxed off Suboxone before starting Vivitrol.
Depending on how long you’ve been taking Suboxone, this may require a tapering process, which can take anywhere from one to several weeks.
Read more about switching from Suboxone to Vivitrol
Getting Your Vivitrol Prescription
Unlike methadone or buprenorphine, Vivitrol can be prescribed by any medical practitioner that is licensed to prescribe medications, including a primary care doctor.
Vivitrol can only be administered by a medical professional, and is typically prescribed as one component of a full treatment plan that integrates other substance use treatment services.
Read more about how to get a Vivitrol prescription
Vivitrol FAQs
Having questions about Vivitrol is common. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Vivitrol for substance abuse treatment.
Is Vivitrol An Opioid?
Vivitrol is not an opioid, making it different from drugs like methadone and buprenorphine, which are both opioid-based.
Vivitrol is a non-addictive opioid antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain and blocks the effects of other opioids, which can prevent a person from getting high.
What Happens If I Drink Alcohol While On Vivitrol?
Drinking alcohol while on Vivitrol is not recommended.
While Vivitrol can prevent individuals from experiencing pleasurable effects of alcohol (“the buzz”), it does not prevent alcohol-related impairment.
Read more about what happens if you drink while on Vivitrol
Does Vivitrol Get You High?
Vivitrol does not cause euphoric effects, also known as a drug “high”.
Furthermore, Vivitrol also prevents you from getting high if you use opioids like heroin or drink alcohol within a month of receiving your last Vivitrol dose.
Read more about getting high while taking Vivitrol
Where Do They Inject Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is injected intramuscularly into the gluteal muscle of the buttocks, alternating buttocks for each subsequent injection.
In order to receive the maximum benefit, this medication should not be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein).
Reversing Vivitrol: Can Vivitrol Be Reversed?
The effects of Vivitrol can be reversed with high doses of opioids. This should not be attempted without clinical support, due to a high risk for respiratory depression.
An emergency attempt to reverse Vivitrol should only be done in a medical setting that can offer respiratory support as needed.
Read more about how Vivitrol can be reversed
How Much Does Vivitrol Cost With And Without Insurance?
Without insurance, Vivitrol can cost $1,176.50 per month, when administered as part of an opioid treatment program.
With insurance, the cost of Vivitrol may be fully or partially covered under your health plan, depending on your insurance provider, your insurance policy, and other factors.
Read more about the cost of Vivitrol with and without insurance
Does Medicaid Cover Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is covered by Medicaid in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Co-payment, prior authorization, and other eligibility requirements for receiving Vivitrol coverage may apply.
Read more about Medicaid coverage for Vivitrol
Finding Addiction Treatment With Vivitrol
Vivitrol is a leading addiction medication that can help individuals achieve and sustain recovery from opioid and alcohol addiction, when taken as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Begin your recovery journey today. Call our helpline now to find Vivitrol treatment options for yourself or a loved one at a drug rehab center near you.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — MAT Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Medicaid Coverage of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders and of Medication for the Reversal for Opioid Overdose
http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Medicaid-Coverage-of-Medication-Assisted-Treatment-for-Alcohol-and-Opioid-Use-Disorders-and-of-Medication-for-the-Reversal-of-Opioid-Overdose/SMA18-5093 - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Naltrexone
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — VIVITROL (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) Label
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021897s015lbl.pdf - U.S. National Library of Medicine: NCBI Bookshelf — Incorporating Alcohol Pharmacotherapies Into Medical Practice
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64041/
