Medication-assisted treatment can be an excellent resource for those struggling with all types of addiction. Vivitrol is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Vivitrol medication-assisted treatment (Vivitrol MAT) is a highly effective option to help clients reach and maintain recovery from opioid addictions.
If you or a loved one is interested in a Vivitrol treatment program, contact Sophros Recovery today to discuss your options at 904.760.4295.
What Is Vivitrol?
A treatment professional administers Vivitrol through a monthly injection. The brand name for naltrexone, Vivitrol, is an opioid blocker that minimizes cravings to the point of making the client sick if substances are consumed. Vivitrol has been proven to be effective in preventing opioid relapse. The FDA approved Vivitrol to treat opioid addiction in 2010 after a study found people who took Vivitrol were more likely to avoid relapse than those who had not taken Vivitrol.
Beginning Vivitrol requires the client to be opioid-free for at least one to two weeks to avoid sudden withdrawal symptoms. This is because Vivitrol removes opioids from opioid receptors. If a client is undergoing Vivitrol medication-assisted treatment and detoxification through buprenorphine, Vivitrol can accentuate the withdrawal symptoms and even prevent the medication from working.
Vivitrol MAT can be incredibly effective and also help with relapse. At Sophros Recovery, we believe that Vivitrol MAT can be extremely effective when combined with our holistic approaches and therapies.
Side Effects of Vivitrol
Like any medication, Vivitrol has a number of side effects that the client should know before beginning treatment. Some common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
The side effects listed above are extremely common withdrawal symptoms. There are also some less common and more life-threatening side effects, such as an opioid overdose, allergic reactions at the injection site, sudden opioid withdrawal, and liver damage.
Contact one of our medical professionals today if you are still wondering, “What is Vivitrol?” or have any questions about the side effects listed above. If you or a loved one suspects an opioid overdose, call 911 or get emergency medical help.
Knowing if Vivitrol is Safe For You
Vivitrol can be an extremely effective way to treat opioid addiction. However, it is important to know whether or not Vivitrol is safe for you to take before beginning. You should not begin Vivitrol treatment if you:
- Are currently using or have a physical dependence on opioids.
- Have opioid withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, anxiety, fever, sweating, shakiness, hot or cold flashes, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
- Are allergic to any of the ingredients listed within Vivitrol, such as naltrexone. Please always inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you may have.
Before receiving Vivitrol MAT, there are a number of things you should tell your doctor, such as:
- History of liver or kidney problems or any other medical conditions
- If you are currently using or abusing drugs
- If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant soon
- What medications you are on, including vitamins and supplements
If you have any questions regarding information to tell your doctor, you can ask our doctors directly via 904.760.4295.
Learn More About Vivitrol MAT at Sophros Recovery
If you believe that you or a loved one would benefit from Vivitrol, we highly encourage you to reach out and see if you qualify for treatment. Vivitrol has been proven to be highly effective but is not a 100% guaranteed cure for addiction. Our combination of therapy and Vivitrol MAT will help you reach your goal of recovery as soon as possible. Reach out to one of our healthcare professionals today at 904.760.4295 to begin your treatment at Sophros Recovery.
