How Long Can You Take Vivitrol?

As long as there are no severe health risks to the patient, and the person is not actively using opioids, they can use Vivitrol for as long as is necessary. Vivitrol (naltrexone) is a prescription medication treatment option for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Naltrexone is not an opioid, therefore it does not carry the same concern for addiction or abuse that some other medication-assisted treatment (MAT) medications carry.

Learn more about the benefits of taking Vivitrol for addiction treatment

Factors That Can Affect How Long You Can Take Vivitrol

While health care providers can continue to administer Vivitrol as long as it seems to be effective, there are some circumstances that could result in stopping Vivitrol.

Some factors that may affect how long you can be on Vivitrol include:

• severe injection site reaction/infection
• hives
• anaphylaxis
• angioedema (swelling of mucous membranes)
• hepatotoxicity (injury or damage to the liver due to exposure to drugs)
• eosinophilic pneumonia (eosinophilic white blood cell accumulation in alveoli spaces in the lungs)
• resumed opioid abuse
• depression
• suicidal ideation

How Long Is Vivitrol Treatment Typically Recommended?

The length of Vivitrol treatment varies based on individual needs and recovery progress. Most healthcare providers recommend staying on Vivitrol for at least six months to a year for the best results, though some people benefit from longer treatment. Research shows that extended use of Vivitrol significantly reduces the risk of relapse and helps people maintain their sobriety while building healthier habits and coping skills.

The decision about how long to continue Vivitrol should be made together with a healthcare provider based on several factors. These include how stable someone is in their recovery, whether they have strong support systems in place, their history of relapse, and how well they’re managing any co-occurring mental health conditions. Some people stay on Vivitrol for several years, while others may taper off sooner if they’re doing well in recovery and feel confident managing without medication.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Vivitrol?

Stopping Vivitrol should always be done under medical supervision with a clear plan in place. Unlike some addiction medications, Vivitrol does not cause physical withdrawal symptoms when discontinued because it is not an opioid. However, stopping the medication removes an important layer of protection against relapse, so it’s crucial to have strong support systems and coping strategies established first.

Before discontinuing Vivitrol, people should work with their treatment team to ensure they have ongoing counseling, participation in support groups, and a relapse prevention plan. Many people transition off Vivitrol gradually by spacing out their monthly injections or switching to oral naltrexone before stopping completely. Healthcare providers typically recommend continued monitoring and support for several months after stopping Vivitrol to catch any warning signs of relapse early.

Finding Treatment For AUD And OUD

Vivitrol is a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) option offered through substance abuse treatment programs that specifically treat AUD and OUD. Vivitrol must be administered by a health care professional and is not available through a pharmacy.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff