Vivitrol

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the world, with millions of individuals reporting an alcohol use disorder (AUD) each year. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is also widespread, with an estimated 2.5 million adults suffering as of 2021.

Navigating substance use disorders can be challenging, both for the individual and their loved ones. Addictions can make it difficult to connect with those around you, as well as fulfill essential responsibilities at work, school, or home. However, treatment is available, and it can help restore balance and health in your life.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Vivitrol and other substances can be a cornerstone in SUD care. When combined with other forms of treatment, MAT can help individuals through withdrawal and the early stages of addiction treatment, guiding them in receiving lasting recovery. Continue reading below to learn about medication-assisted treatment with Vivitrol, including its uses and benefits.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment is a compressive treatment approach to substance use disorders. It combines professionally monitored medications like Vivitrol with counseling and holistic therapies.

All medications used in MAT are carefully monitored by a healthcare professional, creating a safe treatment tailored to an individual’s unique needs and preferences. While other approaches treat the root cause of addiction, helping individuals identify and work through underlying mental and physical problems, MAT focuses on treating the symptoms of SUDs.

When an individual misuses substances, their body can become accustomed to the changes that substance makes in the body, such as altered brain chemistry. Opioids, for example, can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain.

After the body becomes used to this elevated level, returning to normal brain chemistry can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as cravings, body aches, or nausea. Medication-assisted treatment helps individuals navigate these symptoms with more ease, allowing them to focus on their recovery journey.

Some medications used in MAT can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Others, like Vivitrol, instead can help reduce the likelihood of relapse by decreasing the effectiveness of substances. Not everyone will have the same experience when undergoing medication-assisted treatment, and naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, may be more beneficial for some people than others.

What Is Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is the brand name for naltrexone. This medication can be an important part of medication-assisted treatment, as it may be used as a treatment for different substance use disorders.

Although naltrexone can come in different forms, Vivitrol is specifically an extended-released administered only as a deep intramuscular gluteal injection.

What Is Vivitrol Used To Treat?

Vivitrol is used to treat specific substance use disorders, such as AUD and OUD. In 2006, this medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of alcohol dependence. In 2010, this approval was later extended to Vivitrol as a treatment for opioid dependency as well.

Vivitrol is a type of medication known as an opioid receptor antagonist. Opioid receptors are proteins on nerve cells. When substances like opioids or alcohol are used, they bind to these receptors and send signals to the brain. This causes the pleasurable feelings of opioids and alcohol.  

As an opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone, the active ingredient of medications like Vivitrol, binds to the same receptors that alcohol and opioids do. However, instead of causing any pleasurable feelings, naltrexone blocks the receptors from responding to any substances. As a result, engaging in substance misuse no longer produces the enjoyable emotions that can make them addictive. Naltrexone does not prevent impairment.

One 2016 study showed that using naltrexone while actively seeking treatment for opioid use disorder could help reduce the rates of relapse.

How Is Vivitrol Administered?

Currently, Vivitrol is only available as a deep intramuscular gluteal injection. This means that it is administered as a shot in the gluteal muscle (buttock) by a professional. Vivitrol specifically is an extended-release form of naltrexone. Individuals receive monthly injections, and the effects remain in the body for several weeks after until the next injection.

Although Vivitrol is only available as an injection, naltrexone in a non-extended-release form is also available as a pill. Whereas Vivitrol is injected once a month, naltrexone taken as a pill will need to be taken every day. Currently, only the extended-release injection of naltrexone is FDA-approved for individuals with opioid use disorder.

What Are The Side Effects Of Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a beneficial tool for many individuals navigating substance use disorder and addiction. It can provide individuals with a way to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, despite its benefits, some individuals may experience side effects when taking naltrexone.

Not everyone who takes Vivitrol will experience side effects, and the severity of the effects may vary. Some of the most common side effects of naltrexone include:

• Headache
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Joint or muscle pain

Individuals prescribed naltrexone who still have traces of opioids in the body may experience more severe side effects. This can include hallucinations, confusion, and blurred vision.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking Vivitrol or any other medications to discuss any potential risks or side effects. This is especially true for individuals with a medical history of other mental or physical disorders. Although uncommon, naltrexone may affect the liver.

MAT and Vivitrol Frequently Asked Questions

Vivitrol can be a useful part of medication-assisted treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder or alcohol dependency, although its effectiveness may vary from one person to another. When combined with other professional approaches, including therapy and counseling, naltrexone can provide a variety of benefits to those navigating substance use disorders.

If you or a loved one are considering medication-assisted treatment with naltrexone for a substance use disorder, it’s important to consider different factors that may impact this approach. This can include how long treatment lasts as well as how individuals can pay for care.

Below, discover some of the most frequently asked questions about MAT, Vivitrol, and naltrexone.

It’s important to remember that consulting a healthcare professional is best for the most accurate information about your treatment options. This includes whether or not naltrexone is the right medication for your individual needs, preferences, and situation.

Is There A Danger Of Addiction With Vivitrol?

Some of the medications used to treat substance use disorders, such as buprenorphine, can interact with the body in the same way as opioids. As a result, while the risk of addiction is low, especially when taken as prescribed with the guidance of a healthcare professional, there is a possibility.

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, however. This means that it binds to the opioid receptors in the body and blocks the signals of opioids and alcohol without sending similar signals. As a result, naltrexone is not considered to be addictive.

How Long Does Treatment With Vivitrol Last?

Addiction can be a personal experience, and it doesn’t affect every individual the same way. As a result, it’s important that treatment is tailored to the unique needs of the patient. Because there is no one-size-fits-all solution for substance use disorder, treatment approaches and length may vary.

Typically, individuals may be prescribed naltrexone for several months up to a year. There are several factors that may impact how long an individual may use naltrexone as a part of their comprehensive treatment plan, including:

• The severity of the substance use disorder
• How long the individual has been suffering from a substance use disorder
• Any comorbid or additional conditions, both mental and physical
• What other treatment approaches are employed
• How the individual responds to naltrexone and treatment
• The individual’s support network

Medical history and progress can play a large role in the effectiveness, safety, and length of medication-assisted treatment with naltrexone.

In some instances, such as if severe side effects emerge, the individual's healthcare provider may choose to adjust the length of treatment. Healthy communication between the individual and their doctor is key to understanding the specifications of their personal treatment plan.

Does Insurance Cover Vivitrol Treatment?

Many private and public healthcare plans will cover the price of Vivitrol or naltrexone, either entirely or partially, as part of medication-assisted treatment. However, coverage and out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays and deductibles, may vary.

The best way to learn if your insurance covers the costs for medication-assisted treatment with naltrexone is to contact your insurance company. Speaking to a representative can help you better understand the coverage that your insurance provides, as well as what treatment options may be available to you.  It can also help you better understand and plan appropriately for the costs of treatment.

Individuals without insurance, or those whose insurance doesn’t cover medication-assisted treatment, may be able to reach out to their healthcare provider for more information on the resources available. For some, there may be assistance programs available to help pay the costs of treatment. Your doctor can also discuss alternatives to medication-assisted treatment or naltrexone if necessary, helping you choose the right comprehensive treatment plan for your individual situation.