Are you suffering from opioid addiction? Perhaps you’re suffering from alcoholism.

Either way, Vivitrol treatment can be the right solution. When it comes to Vivitrol treatment protocol, the process entails a monthly injection that will help you through the recovery process.

With that, Vivitrol alone isn’t a viable treatment. You should use Vivitrol in conjunction with other treatment measures, such as counseling and therapy.

More importantly, use Vivitrol under the careful guidance of a licensed medical professional. A medical professional can also monitor any side effects stemming from the drug.

This article will help you decide if Vivitrol is the right solution for you. Let’s explore.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol works by killing the euphoric sensations that alcohol and opioids cause. Vivitrol is the brand name, but the generic version is Naltrexone. It’s non-addictive, and it helps patients avoid relapse.

When it comes to opioids, they function as an opioid blocker. In other words, it blocks the opioid molecules that cling to opioid receptors.

Also known as an opioid antagonist, Vivitrol attaches to the receptors and restricts the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that invigorates pleasure.

For alcohol addiction, the drug will also inhibit dopamine levels when drinking alcohol.

• Note: Vivitrol doesn’t prevent you from taking opioids or consuming alcohol. If you use opioids in the future, for instance, your body will tolerate less of it. Using the same amount of opioids with Vivitrol in your system can lead to overdoses and death.

Vivitrol will inhibit opioid receptors once a month. Addicted patients must be opioid-free for a minimum of 7 to 10 days before taking Vivitrol. Then, a medical professional will use a urine sample to verify the absence of opioids.

What About Vivitrol’s Side Effects?

When it comes to common symptoms, Vivitrol can cause:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Toothaches
• Congested nose
• Muscle cramps

Additionally, you can get an allergic reaction that entails hives or itching. Allergic reactions can also cause pneumonia, in which case you should seek medical help immediately.

Swelling of the face can also manifest, including swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat. Plus, you’ll experience some common withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Shaking
• Chills
• Fever
• Body aches
• Sleep trouble
• Restlessness
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Yawning
• Irritability

That said, you should contact a medical provider if you experience serious symptoms, such as:

• Disorientation: You may undergo confusion or suffer from dizziness. In some cases, you may feel the urge to faint.
• Depression: Depression can cause you to hurt yourself. You may also have suicidal thoughts.
• Skin Issues: You may contend with skin blisters, swelling, and scabs. Moreover, severe pain is not uncommon.
• Coughs: This can take the form of wheezing, shallow breathing, or severe coughing. You may also have trouble breathing.
• Liver Problems: Liver issues will cause pain in the upper area of your stomach. Liver problems could also lead to nausea and general itchiness. Further, jaundice is a sure sign of liver complications.

There are other Vivitrol side effects not listed in this article, which is why you should contact a doctor if you notice any irregularities.

How Do Medical Personnel Admister Vivitrol?

A medical professional can inject Vivitrol, or you can consume it orally. If you consume it in pill form, for example, the doctor will prescribe 50 mg, and you may have to take it daily for 12 weeks. For injections, the dosage is 380 mg.

A nurse or a doctor will inject the drug into the muscles. You should receive an injection within a clinic or treatment center that can monitor your condition.

In some cases, you may notice a small lump around the injection area, which is fairly common. However, notify your doctor if the lump doesn’t go away within two weeks.

You may also notice swelling or bruising around the injection site. In more dire cases, you may need surgery to remove the lumps.

A medical professional will give you an injection every four weeks. The effectiveness of the drug depends on how fast your body breaks down the formula. Overall, the effectiveness can vary.

On the other hand, you can calculate when the half-life is gone. The half-life refers to the time it takes for the body to metabolize and eliminate half of the drug. For Vivitrol, the half-life elimination is between 5 to 10 days.

Vivitrol can stay in the system between 25 to 50 days. Faster elimination can last around 25 days, and slower elimination can last around 50 days. In most people, the drug lasts only a month, which is why they need an ongoing injection.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Vivitrol?

First, disclose all medications that you’re currently taking. This also includes herbal supplements or vitamins. If you have a cold, tell your doctor about any cold medicines or over-the-counter drugs in your system.

You should also tell them if you’re taking illegal drugs. Certain drugs may interact poorly with Vivitrol. If you’re a woman, tell the doctor if you’re with child, or if you intend to become pregnant in the future.

Is Vivitrol Treatment Right for Me?

Vivitrol treatment is the right move if your doctor recommends it. It can reduce the elated effects from drinking alcohol or consuming opioids.

However, Vivitrol comes with some notable side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, sinus congestion, and muscle aches. Further, disclose your medical history in full to a doctor. If Vivitrol mixes with other drugs in your system, the side effects could be worse.

Want to know more about the treatment options for opioid addiction or alcoholism? Read more on our website to learn more.