Author: Gary Jackson

Can you drink alcohol on Vivitrol or will you get sick?

Vivitrol is a non-addictive and non-narcotic prescription medication with a low risk of misuse and dependence. Vivitrol is used as part of a comprehensive treatment program to help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain abstinence while in recovery. The Provider Locator is searchable by ZIP code or by city and state. Inclusion in the Provider Locator does not imply referral, recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Locator imply Alkermes’ disapproval.

• Vivitrol is an injectable form of extended-release naltrexone administered intramuscularly into the buttocks by a healthcare provider once a month in a clinical setting.
• A healthcare professional will give you Vivitrol as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) of your buttock.
• If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Only your health care provider can determine the length of treatment that is right for you.
• Patients should be opioid-free for 7 to 14 days prior to starting treatment with Vivitrol.
• Vivitrol is an extended-release suspension that is injected into your gluteal muscle.

In comparison, about 28% of people who took naltrexone tablets stayed in the study treatment for 24 weeks. A safety study was also performed to compare Vivitrol with the drug naltrexone in tablet form. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be mild or severe, but usually withdrawal symptoms aren’t severe. However, if you’ve recently taken an opioid medication and then start Vivitrol treatment, you can have sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms. In such cases, you may need to stay in a hospital or be monitored for symptoms such as a fast heart rate and high blood pressure. Most of the serious side effects that can occur while you’re taking Vivitrol can happen whether you’re taking the medication for alcohol or opioid dependence.

More common side effects

Sometimes people start using opioids again so that the withdrawal effects will go away. Over time, they may need to take more of the opioid to feel the original effects of the drug. Opioid dependence can lead to addiction and put you at risk for overdose. Vivitrol combined with counseling and therapy has a 90% success rate in helping people achieve sobriety. Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist (inhibitor) that works by blocking the effects of alcohol in the brain and lowering alcohol cravings during withdrawal.

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform any dangerous activities until you know how naltrexone will affect you. Naltrexone may cause dizziness and drowsiness and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not drive or perform any kind of hazardous tasks if naltrexone causes you any dizziness or other dangerous side effects. Missing doses of naltrexone may increase your risk for relapse.

What is Vivitrol?

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Vivitrol. You should refer to the prescribing information for Vivitrol for a complete list of interactions. If you have a blood disorder or bleeding problems, such as hemophilia, you may have a high risk of bleeding after Vivitrol injections. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have any conditions that affect your blood.

Each person’s unique requirements and conditions determine if Vivitrol is the best treatment for their alcohol use disorder. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, they believe it will help you recover more quickly. However, It’s crucial to remember that Vivitrol isn’t the only medication for AUD.

More about Vivitrol (naltrexone)

Therefore, it’s critical not to miss any Vivitrol shots to gain the full benefits of this medication. Missing a scheduled injection can dramatically impair the effectiveness of the next dose. Because of the ease of access and availability, many people can acquire critical medications to aid them in their rehabilitation during the pandemic. Naltrexone is a pure opiate antagonist and blocks opiate receptors in the body. It is approved to treat patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder, along with a medically-supervised behavior modification program. It is NOT an opioid and does not cause euphoria (a “high”) or withdrawal symptoms when you stop it.

Alcohol dependence can start after the continual use of alcohol, usually in large quantities. Call 911 or get emergency medical help right away in all cases of known or suspected opioid overdose, even if naloxone is administered. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if VIVITROL is right for you. Naltrexone is available as an oral tablet and an intramuscular injection. Only your health care provider can determine the route of administration and correct dose for you. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Can you still get drunk on naltrexone?

Naltrexone exposure is three to four times greater when using Vivitrol as opposed to using oral naltrexone 50 mg tablets once daily. There is less than 15% accumulation of naltrexone with repeated use. It’s not known if it’s safe to take Vivitrol if you have kidney problems that are moderate or severe. Your doctor will recommend whether Vivitrol treatment is safe for you if you have problems with your kidneys. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Vivitrol.

Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause decreased growth of the fetus, congenital anomalies such as heart problems, slower development, and pregnancy loss. However, your body can become dependent on Adderall, just as it can be dependent on alcohol or opioid medications. Because of this, your doctor may switch you to a non-habit-forming medication so that you don’t risk becoming dependent on Adderall.