For Alcohol Dependence Why VIVITROL® naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension

Vivitrol is a medication that’s used to prevent relapse (going back to taking opioid medications). You should stop taking opioids at least 7 to 10 days before starting Vivitrol treatment. This decreases the risk of sudden opioid withdrawal, which can be dangerous. At our AspenRidge locations, we offer specialized alcohol addiction treatment. Part of our inpatient rehab program includes creating an individualized treatment program.

Although side effects from Vivitrol use are relatively rare, they do occur in some instances. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is currently the third leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. 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. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

What Happens If You Take Opiates While On Vivitrol?

The companies said they will market the drug in 380 mg IM doses and expect the product to be available by June. It is believed that this is how Vivitrol may block the excessive reward of alcohol. The Vivitrol shot is integrated into treatment when appropriate to give yet another enhancement to the “perfect blend” of addiction treatment at our facility. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Vivitrol is an extended-release suspension that is injected into your gluteal muscle.

• Opioid detoxification involves clearing the drug from your body.
• Providers might also consider a “trial” of oral naltrexone to guarantee early detection of any adverse events (Johnson 2006).
• When combined with a solid alcohol and drug recovery program, such as counseling and one-on-one therapy, VIVITROL® can help a person stay in recovery longer.
• These drugs work by changing how the body reacts to alcohol or by managing its long-term effects.
• Natural opioids, like heroin and codeine, or a synthetic type of opioid, like fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine, can “hijack” this reward system.

Local doctors who prescribe Vivitrol must complete special training and certification before they can use these medications in the treatment of alcoholism or opioid addiction. Throughout the course of treatment, doctors will monitor patients, adjust their dose accordingly, and make the appropriate recommendations. Before starting naltrexone, people should complete a urine screening to ensure that there are no opiates or other substances present in the body. Furthermore, people should only start taking the drug once they have completed a medical detox program or their bodies are clear from all traces of opioids or alcohol. Vivitrol is most effective when used in conjunction with other elements of a comprehensive treatment program to help individuals in recovery decrease the risk of relapse, reduce cravings, and maintain long-term abstinence.

Vivitrol Therapy at AspenRidge Recovery

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Vivitrol. There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Vivitrol. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Vivitrol. There are no known interactions between Vivitrol and Xanax (alprazolam). Vivitrol doesn’t work on the same part of your brain that Xanax affects.

It will not produce any narcotic-like effects or cause mental or physical dependence. It will not prevent you from becoming impaired while drinking alcohol. Like Antabuse, and Vivitrol for alcohol, Campral is only effective when it’s taken. An active alcoholic is unlikely to be personally motivated to change, however, there are proper practices for how to help an alcoholic. Drugs like Antabuse, Campral, and Vivitrol for alcohol, will not transform an alcoholic into a nonalcoholic.

Misuse and dependence

Optimization of non-specific treatment effects and understanding how they interact with medications or psychosocial treatment are worthy goals in the development of methodologies for future clinical trials. Naltrexone’s primary use is to manage alcohol and opioid use disorder. A government study released by the National Institute sober house on Drug Abuse in 2010 revealed that 51.9 percent of Americans ages 12 and above had consumed alcohol at least once in the previous 30 days. This same study showed that 23.7 percent had five drinks or more within a two-hour time span in the previous month, while 6.8 percent had five drinks or more on five separate occasions.

Complete the form and a treatment advisor will contact you at the number provided. There are no longer limits on the number of patients with OUD that a practitioner may treat with buprenorphine. Separate tracking of patients treated with buprenorphine or prescriptions written is no longer required. As of December 2022, the MAT Act has eliminated the DATA-Waiver (X-Waiver) program. All DEA-registered practitioners with Schedule III authority may now prescribe buprenorphine for OUD in their practice if applicable state law permits, and SAMHSA encourages them to do so. Prescribers registered as DATA-Waiver prescribers will receive a new DEA registration certificate reflecting this change; no action is needed from registrants.

What is the most important information I should know about naltrexone (Vivitrol)?

We deliver whole-person, comprehensive care and are passionate about transforming the quality, delivery, and accessibility of addiction & mental health treatment. Our actions are rooted in respect for each member’s values, culture, and life experiences, and our commitment to their wellbeing is unwavering and without judgement. Vivitrol must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting once a month. Vivitrol is typically packaged with a special needle and is only administered with that syringe. Naltrexone injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be given by injection into the muscle of the buttocks by a healthcare provider once every 4 weeks.