Vivitrol is a monthly injection of extended-release naltrexone. Unlike buprenorphine and methadone, naltrexone does not activate opioid receptors at all. It blocks them, so opioids have little or no effect while it is working.
Who it fits
- People who have already stopped opioids and want a non-opioid medicine
- People leaving jail, prison or residential treatment who are already opioid-free
- People whose work or circumstances make an opioid medicine difficult
Vivitrol is also approved for alcohol use disorder.
The opioid-free window
You must be free of opioids, usually for 7 to 10 days after short-acting opioids and often 14 days or longer after methadone or buprenorphine, before the first injection. Otherwise naltrexone causes sudden withdrawal. This window is the biggest hurdle, and your provider will plan it with you.
Naltrexone cannot be taken with any opioid, including opioid pain medicines, buprenorphine or methadone; it causes sudden withdrawal and blocks opioid pain relief in an emergency. Carry a wallet card or tell any emergency team that you take naltrexone.
Ready to Start Treatment?
Confidential, evidence-based care in West Ashley. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.
What to expect
One injection in the buttock every four weeks. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, nausea, headache and tiredness. Severe pain, swelling or a hard lump at the site should be checked.
A serious safety warning
After Vivitrol wears off, or if a dose is missed, tolerance is lower than before. Using the amount you once used can cause a fatal overdose. Trying to override the block with large amounts of opioids is also dangerous. Keep naloxone on hand.
Learn more about Vivitrol injections in Charleston.
Help at Hope Addiction Medicine
Our team combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies, in person at our West Ashley office in Charleston and by telehealth when appropriate. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment or call our office.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber. If someone may be overdosing, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually 7 to 10 days after short-acting opioids, and often 14 days or longer after methadone or buprenorphine. Starting earlier causes sudden withdrawal, so your provider plans this window with you.
Suboxone partly activates opioid receptors and relieves cravings and withdrawal. Vivitrol blocks the receptors and requires being opioid-free first. Both can reduce relapse.
Trying to override the block is dangerous, and after Vivitrol wears off, tolerance is lower, so a former dose can cause a fatal overdose. Keep naloxone available.