Vivitrol Abuse and Addiction

Vivitrol Injections: Overdose, Addiction, and Treatment

Since the opioid epidemic began, often stemming from an addiction to pain medications, more than 645,000 people in the United States have died from overdoses involving opioids, as reported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). With the epidemic resulting in more than 220 fatalities each day, the demand for effective addiction treatment has never been urgent. Opioids, including prescription painkillers, are notoriously addictive and can create a dependence that makes it challenging for users to break free from without professional intervention. Although the journey to recovery can be difficult and lengthy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has provided hope for individuals seeking recovery. A valuable tool used in MAT is the monthly Vivitrol injection, which effectively blocks the effects of alcohol and opioids in the brain.

Vivitrol is an injectable, extended-release form of naltrexone, utilized as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid and alcohol dependence to help prevent relapse. It functions by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain for up to a month, diminishing cravings and blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol. Making their use less rewarding. Unlike other medications for opioid addiction, such as methadone and suboxone, Vivitrol is not an opioid agonist, meaning it does not produce a high or pleasurable sensation, thus eliminating the risk of abuse or addiction. However, like any medication, Vivitrol may come with side effects. Moreover, there are overdose risks if it is used alongside opioids.

It is important to note that Vivitrol injections are not a cure and should be used as a part of a broader addiction treatment plan that encompasses counseling, therapy, and support systems to aid patients in sustaining their sobriety. Although Vivitrol is not associated with addiction risks and does not induce withdrawal symptoms, some individuals may develop a psychological reliance on the medication, fearing they cannot stay sober without it. Prolonged use of Vivitrol may lead to adverse effects, such as depression and thoughts or actions related to suicide. By engaging in addiction treatment, individuals can cultivate coping mechanisms, implement lifestyle changes, and receive continuous support, enabling them to achieve lasting recovery without depending on the injections of Vivitrol.

How Long Do Side Effects of Vivitrol Shot Last?

As with any medication, the monthly Vivitrol shot can have side effects ranging from mild to severe. Side effects can vary in duration depending on the individual, but most side effects are temporary and subside within a few days or weeks. Symptoms gradually improve as the body adjusts to the medication. According to HealthNewsToday, common mild side effects include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased blood pressure
• Cold or flu-like symptoms
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Mild injection site reaction

While serious side effects are uncommon, they can occur and may require urgent medical care. Severe reactions to Vivitrol can include pneumonia from an allergic reaction, depression, and liver damage. It’s important to remember that Vivitrol is a long-acting medication, and any side effects may persist until the drug is fully metabolized, which can take up to a month. Although Vivitrol is generally well-tolerated, prolonged use may lead to liver issues, including hepatitis, as well as mental health concerns such as depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and sleep problems, including insomnia or vivid dreams.

What Are the Risks of Taking Vivitrol?

While side effects from Vivitrol injections can occur, they are generally mild. They should not discourage anyone dealing with opioid use disorder from using this medication as its benefits far outweigh the risks. Nonetheless, there are specific risks linked to Vivitrol that individuals should consider, particularly the importance of avoiding any opioid use to eliminate these risks. Vivitrol is non-habit forming and carries no overdose risk on its own, but relapsing while on it can increase overdose risk. This is because Vivitrol blocks the pleasurable effects of opioids and alcohol, leading some individuals to take larger doses to achieve those effects, increasing the risk of overdose.

Additionally, the effects of the injectable Vivitrol diminish gradually and eventually fade away. If someone has successfully abstained from using opioids while on this medication, their tolerance to opioids significantly decreases, making them more susceptible to the effects of smaller doses. If they relapse after Vivitrol’s effects have diminished, they might revert to their previous opioid dosage, which could result in an overdose. It is also important to note that a person needs to have already detoxed from opioids before receiving an injection, as taking it with opioids still present can result in precipitated withdrawal and rapid and intense opioid withdrawal symptoms during prescription drug detox in Los Angeles.

Is Vivitrol Hard on Your Kidneys?

Naltrexone, the key component of Vivitrol, is mainly metabolized by the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. Current research does not suggest that Vivitrol poses a risk to kidney health when taken as directed. However, individuals with existing kidney conditions may find it more challenging to eliminate the medication from their system. Potential side effects of Vivitrol can include nausea, headaches, and liver complications, which may be intensified in patients with kidney issues like chronic kidney disease. In rare instances, Vivitrol may lead to liver damage or increased liver enzyme levels, particularly in those with prior liver problems or those who frequently consume alcohol.

Signs of Vivitrol Abuse and Addiction

Treatment with Vivitrol is not considered addictive. However, any drug may be abused. Some people may become psychologically dependent on medication-assisted treatment even if they do not form a physical dependence. Even so, a person could still experience an opioid overdose while taking Vivitrol if they choose to take enough opioids to overcome the effects of Vivitrol. While Vivitrol is not itself associated with overdose, it’s still possible for people undergoing Vivitrol treatment to overdose on opioids (or any other drug). The risk of overdose from opioids is still great for someone suffering from opioid use disorders, but Vivitrol can reduce the cravings associated with opioid abuse.

Vivitrol Withdrawal Symptoms

Vivitrol is not associated with physical dependence, so it does not cause withdrawal symptoms. However, clients must completely detox from opioids before their first Vivitrol shot or they could experience sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. When undergoing opioid abuse treatment, clinicians will not start a client on Vivitrol treatment until the individual’s system is free of opioids. 

Long-Term Side Effects of Vivitrol Abuse

If a person has serious side effects from Vivitrol use, they could suffer permanent tissue damage near injection sites or even death if their allergic reaction is severe enough or they don’t receive medical treatment for serious side effects. Clients should contact their healthcare provider right away if they experience any serious side effects after their Vivitrol treatment. 

What Is the Success Rate of Vivitrol?

Vivitrol therapy for addiction involves a once monthly extended-release dose of injectable naltrexone used to reduce opioid cravings and opioid effects if they are used. This treatment can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking long-term recovery from opioid dependence, especially when combined with other therapeutic approaches like counseling. According to BuzzRx, initial studies suggest that Vivitrol boasts a 90% effectiveness rate and significantly enhances the chances of remaining abstinent from opioids.

Additionally, research indicates that patients tend to stay in treatment longer with Vivitrol, as it helps curb cravings and lowers the risk of relapse. However, the price of a single injection of Vivitrol is approximately $1,700, which can pose a financial burden for many. This highlights the necessity of cultivating healthy coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques, ensuring that individuals do not rely solely on medication for sustained recovery.

Contact Resurgence Behavioral Health for Addiction Treatment Beyond a Once Monthly Vivitrol Injection

Opioid use disorder can result in detrimental impacts on a person’s physical health, mental well-being, relationships, finances, and overall life satisfaction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), such as the monthly Vivitrol injection, plays a crucial role in addressing opioid addiction. However, for sustainable recovery, individuals need to confront the root causes of their addiction and establish effective strategies to prevent relapse.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs that incorporate a variety of evidence-based therapies along with medication management to tackle the intricate and diverse challenges posed by opioid use disorders. Prescription drug addiction impacts not just the body, but also the mind, emotions, and social interactions. By adopting a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, our programs deliver well-rounded support, enhancing the chances of lasting recovery.

Whether you are beginning your journey to recovery and seeking medication management to help you overcome addiction, or you are currently using Vivitrol and wish to reduce your reliance on it, we can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050 to discover your opioid addiction treatment options.

External Sources

• Federal Communications Commission – Focus on Broadband and Opioids
• MedicalNewsToday – Vivitrol side effects: What you should know
• BuzzRx – What is the Vivitrol Shot, and How Does It Work?