Table of Contents
Key Points
- Vivitrol is the brand name for the injectable, extended-release formulation of naltrexone and is often prescribed to treat types of substance use disorder, such as alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
- Vivitrol is part of a class of drugs known as opioid agonists and might not be for everyone; it’s essential to learn about the risks of taking this medication and weigh the costs and benefits with your doctor.
- Vivitrol can damage the liver, especially in people who already have liver disease or liver problems.
- Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the eyes, fatigue, dark urine, and stomach pain.
- When mixed with Vivitrol, some medications can cause adverse effects, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you’re taking.
- Vivitrol is administered by injection, and some people experience severe injection site reactions.
- Symptoms of a severe reaction around the injection site include lumps, swelling, dark scabs, and intense pain.
- If you take Vivitrol too soon after detoxing from opioid drugs, you could experience sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms, a potentially dangerous side effect.
- Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, goosebumps, anxiety, sweating, and shakiness.
- People who take opioids while on Vivitrol may be at a higher risk of opioid overdose, a life-threatening emergency.
- Symptoms of a possibly fatal opioid overdose include pinpoint pupils, clammy skin, limp arms or legs, and slowed breathing.
- Vivitrol could cause harm to a fetus or newborn if taken by someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, but more studies are needed to confirm this theory.
- Vivitrol may increase the risk of depression and suicide; symptoms include feeling sad or tired frequently, experiencing changes in appetite, or feeling hopeless.
Vivitrol Side Effects
Vivitrol has been linked to a number of side effects, and some of them can be serious. [1] Common side effects may include cold and flu symptoms, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, joint pain, and drowsiness, for example.
Some may experience more serious side effects like pneumonia, allergic reactions, depression, chest pain, and shortness of breath. These side effects may require medical attention. There are other risks associated with taking Vivitrol, including liver damage, sudden opioid withdrawal, opioid overdose, and injury to the fetus in people who are pregnant.
What Is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is the brand name for the generic drug naltrexone. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance use disorder, particularly opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Vivitrol is part of a class of drugs known as opioid antagonists. [2] Vivitrol is an injectable, extended-release medication. Once injected, the dose lasts for one month. The patient will need to see a healthcare provider once per month for subsequent injections.
Side Effects of Vivitrol
Vivitrol is associated with specific side effects, some of which can be serious. It’s essential to be aware of the potential side effects before starting Vivitrol treatment.
Common Side Effects of Vivitrol
Some of the common side effects associated with Vivitrol include: [3]
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Toothache
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Cold symptoms
If any of these side effects become intolerable or persist for more than a few days, please notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Serious Side Effects of Vivitrol
In some cases, people experience more serious side effects when taking Vivitrol, including: [4]
- Pneumonia
- Injection site reactions
- Symptoms of depression
- Skin rash
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or tongue
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Abdominal pain
These serious side effects could be a sign of complications such as liver damage and severe allergic reactions. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention.
What Do I Need to Know When Taking Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an intramuscular injection that decreases cravings for opioids or alcohol. There are some things you should know before beginning a regimen of Vivitrol: [5]
Severe Injection Site Reactions
One of the risks associated with Vivitrol is the risk of injection site reactions. In some cases, these reactions can be serious and even require surgical intervention. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction around the injection site include: [6]
- An open wound
- A dark-colored scab
- Lumps
- Blisters
- Severe pain
- Swelling
If you experience any symptoms around the injection site that last more than a couple of weeks, tell your health care provider.
Risk of Liver Problems
Vivitrol can affect the liver. Tell your doctor if you have any history of liver damage, liver disease, or other liver problems. Watch for symptoms of liver damage while on Vivitrol, including: [6]
- Dark colored urine
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
- Persistent stomach pain
Vivitrol Drug Interactions
There are more than 350 different drugs and medications that may interact with Vivitrol. [7] Some of these interactions could cause adverse effects. It’s important to tell your doctor about any other substances you’re taking before receiving an injection of Vivitrol.
This includes any recreational substances, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins or supplements. Possible drug interactions can occur when taking Vivitrol and other medications, such as:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone)
- Lisinopril
- Methadone
- Tramadol
- Sufentanil
- Pentazocine
- Remifentanil
Sudden Opioid Withdrawal
There is a risk of sudden and severe opioid withdrawal when taking Vivitrol. Don’t take Vivitrol if you’ve used any type of opioid drug within the last two weeks. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal may include: [8]
- Muscle twitching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Hot or cold flashes
- Stomach cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Shakiness
- Fever
- Goosebumps
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Excessive yawning
In some cases, opioid withdrawal can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention right away if you begin having any of these withdrawal symptoms after beginning Vivitrol treatment.
Risk of Opioid Overdose
Vivitrol can increase the risk of opioid overdose in some cases. Since this medication blocks the effects of opioids, some people may take more opioids in an attempt to override this effect. Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose may include: [9]
- Pinpoint pupils
- Clammy skin
- Pale or blue lips or fingernails
- Snoring or gurgling from the mouth
- Vomiting
- Slow or faint pulse
- Limp limbs
- Slow or raspy breathing
- Unresponsiveness
Opioid overdose can be fatal. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms after taking opioid drugs or Vivitrol, seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is limited information available about the effects of Vivitrol during pregnancy. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it’s likely that this medication affects the fetus.[10] Experts also think Vivitrol can pass into the breastmilk of nursing mothers. [11] Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to be pregnant before receiving a Vivitrol injection.
Risk of Suicide and Depression
People with substance use disorder may already be at an increased risk for suicide and depression. In some cases, taking Vivitrol can increase this risk. Tell your doctor if you or a loved one has recently started taking Vivitrol and is experiencing side effects such as: [12]
- Episodes of crying
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Trouble focusing
- Feeling hopeless
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability
- Anger or aggressive behavior
- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Vivitrol is often used for medication-assisted detox for the treatment of alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder. If you or a loved one is experiencing a substance use disorder, help is available.
In addition to detoxification services, other evidence-based treatments are available, including inpatient and partial hospitalization services, outpatient treatment, behavioral therapy, and mental health counseling. A compassionate and skilled substance use and rehabilitation counselor can help you develop an individualized treatment program to fit your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vivitrol Side Effects
OCEAN RECOVERY EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
The internet contains a vast amount of misinformation, but when it comes to your health only peer reviewed, research centered data matters. At Ocean Recovery, all content published throughout our website has been rigorously medically reviewed by a doctorate level clinician, and cross checked for medical accuracy. Our editorial process helps our readers trust that the information they are consuming is factual and based upon scientific data. Your health is our top priority, find out more about how we safeguard the integrity of information on our website. Read More About Our Process
