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What is Vivitrol
NaltrexoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryNaltrexone is a drug derived from noroxymorphone and is related to naloxone. It is used to block the effects of narcotics, and it is more powerful and longer lasting than naloxone. It is approved by the FDA to treat alcohol dependence and has been proposed to treat heroin addiction.
Naltrexone Hydrochlorideis the brand name
Vivitrol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Naltrexone Hydrochloride
Naltrexone
1998
59
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Naltrexone, otherwise known as Naltrexone Hydrochloride, is approved by the FDA for 5 uses including Alcoholism and Opioid Dependence .Alcoholism
Helps manage Alcohol Dependency
Opioid Dependence
Helps manage Opioid Dependence
Pain
Used to treat Severe Pain in combination with Morphine
Therapeutic procedure
Used to treat inadequate alternative treatment options in combination with Morphine
Opiate Substitution Treatment
Used to treat requiring long-term opioid treatment in combination with Morphine
Effectiveness
How Vivitrol Affects PatientsNaltrexone is a drug that blocks the effects of opioids, including heroin and morphine. It is used to treat alcohol dependence and can be used to prevent someone from feeling the effects of opioids if they are taken intravenously. It can also be used to block physical addiction to opioids, and if someone is already dependent on opioids, taking naltrexone can cause them to experience withdrawal symptoms.
How Vivitrol works in the bodyNaltrexone blocks the body's opioid receptors, which are responsible for the effects of opiates. This means that it prevents opiates from having an effect on the body, including feelings of euphoria, drug cravings, and respiratory depression. The metabolite of naltrexone, 6-β-naltrexol, also helps to block the opioid receptors, making the effect of naltrexone even stronger. We don't know exactly how naltrexone works to help with alcoholism, but it likely has something to do with its ability to block the opioid receptors.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Vivitrol is subject to the indicated condition, such as Opioid Dependence, reduced-calorie diet and BMI >27 kg/m2. The amount of dosage fluctuates as indicated by the mode of administration specified in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Pruritus
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Caloric Restriction
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
BMI >27 kg/m2
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Increased physical activity levels
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Opioid Dependence
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Pain
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Alcoholism
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Opiate Substitution Treatment
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Comorbidity
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Chronic Weight Management therapy
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Therapeutic procedure
, 50.0 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 2.4 mg, 3.2 mg, 8.0 mg, 4.8 mg, 3.6 mg, 7.2 mg, 9.6 mg, 380.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 380.0 mg/mL, 90.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Subcutaneous, Implant, Implant - Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular
Warnings
Vivitrol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Withdrawal syndrome
Do Not Combine
Adrenal gland hypofunction
Do Not Combine
Common Vivitrol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Eluxadoline
Major
The risk or severity of constipation can be increased when Naltrexone is combined with Eluxadoline.
Methylene blue
Major
Naltrexone may increase the serotonergic activities of Methylene blue.
Methylnaltrexone
Major
Naltrexone may increase the opioid antagonism activities of Methylnaltrexone.
Mirtazapine
Major
Naltrexone may increase the serotonergic activities of Mirtazapine.
Naloxegol
Major
Naltrexone may increase the opioid antagonism activities of Naloxegol.
Vivitrol Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of naltrexone in mice, rats, and guinea pig has been found to be between 1100-1550mg/kg. Taking a high dose of naltrexone (greater than 1000mg/kg) can cause excessive saliva, reduced energy and activity, tremors, and seizures.
Vivitrol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Vivitrol?
30 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the potential of Vivitrol to augment reduced-calorie diet, Pruritus and increased physical activity as treatments for certain ailments.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Increased physical activity levels
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Weight Management therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Therapeutic procedure
0 Actively Recruiting
Alcoholism
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2
Pruritus
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioid Dependence
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Opiate Substitution Treatment
0 Actively Recruiting
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
BMI >27 kg/m2
0 Actively Recruiting
Caloric Restriction
0 Actively Recruiting
Comorbidity
0 Actively Recruiting
Vivitrol Reviews: What are patients saying about Vivitrol?
5Patient Review
2/25/2021 I don't enjoy getting the shot, but it's worth it because it helps me stay sober. I've been alcohol-free for three months now, after struggling with a two-year whisky habit that had me drinking a gallon or more each day. This treatment really helped to eliminate my cravings and also dealt with some of the other withdrawal symptoms I was experiencing.
5Patient Review
11/5/2016 Vivitrol was a life-saving find for me. If you're committed to changing your life and staying clean, this is an excellent tool that can help you achieve those goals.
5Patient Review
1/15/2013 This treatment really saved my life. I was addicted to heroin, and vivitrol helped me get clean. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to kick their addiction.
4.7Patient Review
8/21/2022 I'm an alcoholic and I had this shot 3 weeks ago. It worked for me, but after 3 weeks I decided to test it by having a drink. Unfortunately, it led straight to a blackout and I woke up throwing up.
4.7Patient Review
8/27/2012 I found that I didn't want to drink alcohol while taking this medication, which was almost every day.
4.3Patient Review
9/26/2012 I find that I'm more tired and have less of an appetite since starting this medication.
4Patient Review
10/30/2014 This shot worked well for me in terms of reducing my alcohol cravings. I had my first shot 2 weeks ago and haven't had any cravings since day 3. However, the pain in my butt cheek has been incredibly intense and almost unbearable at times. I've almost gone to the hospital 3 separate times when the pain got too much, but then I remind myself that they wouldn't be able to give me anything for the pain anyway......it wouldn't work! Pretty ironic! Not sure if I'll continue with it or not. I don't think the 24 hour a day pain is worth it!
2.3Patient Review
7/27/2022 Vivatrol was unfortunately ineffective for me in blocking the effects of fentanyl, as I still experienced a high when using the drug.
1Patient Review
6/3/2018 I'm yet to receive the shot, but my pain has unfortunately returned. In Michigan, they've been cutting back on pain medication availability, so I haven't been able to get my hands on any.
1Patient Review
12/29/2013 This treatment was like injecting poison into my body. I'm now two weeks out and I feel like I have the stomach flu every day. It's also caused very bad depression. The side effects are not worth it for me. Please make sure you can tolerate this drug before injecting.
1Patient Review
6/4/2014 I have never been so close to death since I have had the vivitrol shot!
Patient Q&A Section about vivitrol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Vivitrol considered a narcotic?
"An opioid is a drug that can be used to relieve pain or as a narcotic. Vivitrol is used as part of a treatment program for drug or alcohol dependence. Vivitrol injection is used to prevent relapse in adults who became dependent on opioid medicine and then stopped using it. Naltrexone can help keep you from feeling a "need" to use the opioid."
Answered by AI
Is narcan the same as Vivitrol?
"Both work by blocking the effects of opioids.
Are Vivitrol and Narcan the same thing? Vivitrol and Narcan are both opioid antagonists used to treat alcohol dependence and prevent relapse to opioid dependence. Vivitrol is also used to treat alcohol dependence. Both work by blocking the effects of opioids."
Answered by AI
What is the success rate of Vivitrol?
"The study found that more people were able to start taking Suboxone than Vivitrol. Out of the people studied, 94% assigned to Suboxone were able to start taking the medication, while only 72% of those assigned to Vivitrol were successfully started on the medication."
Answered by AI
Is Vivitrol the same as Suboxone?
"The medications Vivitrol and Suboxone both interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Vivitrol contains naltrexone, which blocks opioids. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which activates opioids. Suboxone also contains naloxone, another opioid blocker."
Answered by AI