What Is Vivitrol & How Can It Help With Recovery?

Understanding Vivitrol

To understand how Vivitrol can aid in recovery, one must first understand what Vivitrol is and how it functions.

Introduction to Vivitrol

Vivitrol is a medication containing naltrexone, a substance used to help individuals recover from substance use disorders. It assists in preventing relapse and is administered through an injection either once a month or once every three months. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, utilized to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder as part of a treatment program aimed at preventing individuals from feeling the need to use these substances.

The administration of Vivitrol is an extended-release suspension injected into the gluteal muscle, slowly releasing naltrexone for about a month after administration. It was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Vivitrol involves reducing cravings for opioids and alcohol. It accomplishes this by binding to and blocking opioid receptors in the brain. The binding to these receptors changes how the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland function together, helping individuals manage their cravings and reduce the risk of relapse [2].

Vivitrol ensures that therapeutic levels of naltrexone are maintained in the body for approximately 30 days, providing sustained support in managing cravings and reducing the risk of relapse.

In conclusion, the understanding of what Vivitrol is and how it works is crucial for those seeking to comprehend its role in aiding recovery from substance use disorders. The medication's ability to bind and block opioid receptors in the brain, in addition to its long-lasting effects, make it a powerful tool in the fight against opioid and alcohol dependence.

Benefits of Vivitrol

When exploring the question, 'What is Vivitrol & how can it help with recovery?', it's critical to understand the benefits this drug brings to the table. Vivitrol, with the generic name naltrexone microspheres, is used to treat alcohol abuse and prevent relapse to opioid abuse after detoxification. It helps decrease the desire to drink and works by blocking the action of opioids [4].

Preventing Relapse

One of the key benefits of Vivitrol is its efficacy in preventing relapse. Vivitrol ensures that therapeutic levels of naltrexone are maintained in the body for approximately 30 days, providing sustained support in managing cravings and reducing the risk of relapse.

Managing Cravings

Vivitrol has been found to be effective in reducing heavy drinking among individuals with alcohol dependence. In a study with 624 alcohol-dependent participants, those receiving the higher FDA-approved dose of 380mg per month experienced a greater reduction in heavy drinking compared to those who received a placebo.

This data demonstrates how Vivitrol can help manage cravings and reduce alcohol consumption, thereby aiding in recovery.

Treatment Outcomes

Vivitrol is commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals recovering from opioid or alcohol dependence. It can enhance treatment outcomes by improving retention and completion rates and reducing the risk of relapse when combined with counseling.

Additionally, it's important to note that Vivitrol is non-addictive and does not lead to physical dependency or withdrawal symptoms when stopped. It is the only FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder that is not addictive [3].

In conclusion, Vivitrol plays a crucial role in the recovery process by preventing relapse, managing cravings, and enhancing treatment outcomes. However, it's important to remember that it should only be administered to individuals who have abstained from alcohol and opioids for a period before starting treatment. This ensures that the drug is used safely and effectively, maximizing its benefits during the recovery journey.

Administration and Dosage

When it comes to the administration and dosage of Vivitrol, there are specific protocols to follow for optimal results. Understanding these guidelines can help those in recovery maximize the benefits of this medication.

Injection Frequency

Vivitrol, also known by its generic name, naltrexone microspheres, is typically administered as a monthly injection into a muscle by a healthcare professional. This extended-release suspension is injected into the gluteal muscle, slowly releasing naltrexone for about a month after administration. To ensure even distribution and minimize discomfort, healthcare providers will alternate buttocks for subsequent injections.

The recommended injection frequency is every 4 weeks, or once a month, as part of the treatment plan for alcohol or drug dependence. This consistent schedule helps maintain a steady level of medication in the body, thus aiding in the prevention of relapse and management of cravings.

Dosage Details

The dosage of Vivitrol is based on the individual's medical condition and response to treatment. Typically, the recommended dose of Vivitrol is 380 mg delivered intramuscularly as a gluteal injection. Starting with a lower dose and monitoring for side effects is common practice before increasing the dosage.

It's important to note that Vivitrol should only be administered to individuals who have abstained from alcohol and opioids for a period before starting treatment. This helps to decrease the desire to drink and works by blocking the action of opioids.

As always, any changes to the dosage should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and communication with the healthcare provider can help tailor the treatment plan to the individual's needs and monitor progress effectively.

When used as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, Vivitrol can be a powerful tool in preventing relapse and curbing cravings for alcohol and opioids. However, it's essential to remember that every individual's journey to recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or questions with a healthcare provider to ensure the most effective treatment plan.

Effectiveness of Vivitrol

Understanding 'what is Vivitrol & how can it help with recovery?' involves exploring its effectiveness in treating different forms of substance dependence. Efficacy is evaluated in terms of its impact on alcohol dependence, opioid use disorder, and long-term outcomes.

Alcohol Dependence

Vivitrol has been found to be effective in reducing heavy drinking among individuals with alcohol dependence. In a study involving 624 alcohol-dependent participants, individuals receiving the higher FDA-approved dose of 380mg per month experienced a greater reduction in heavy drinking compared to those who received a placebo [3].

Additionally, naltrexone treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) can help reduce alcohol cravings and the amount of alcohol consumed. It blocks the effects and feelings of alcohol, aiding in maintaining sobriety. The treatment typically lasts for three to four months.

Opioid Use Disorder

Vivitrol, a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, is used to treat opioid use disorder as part of a treatment program to prevent individuals from feeling the need to use opioids. It works by blocking mu opioid receptors and changing how the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland function together [2].

Naltrexone is not an opioid, is not addictive, and does not cause withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use. It blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine by binding and blocking opioid receptors and reducing opioid cravings.

Long-Term Outcomes

Vivitrol is commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals recovering from opioid or alcohol dependence. It can enhance treatment outcomes by improving retention and completion rates and reducing the risk of relapse when combined with counseling.

However, practitioners are encouraged to monitor patients who are no longer taking naltrexone. It is important for patients to be informed about the risks of opioid overdose due to reduced tolerance after discontinuing naltrexone [5].

In conclusion, Vivitrol can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals recovering from alcohol or opioid dependence. Its efficacy in reducing cravings and preventing relapse can significantly improve recovery outcomes. However, as with any medication, it is important to use Vivitrol under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Considerations and Side Effects

Before embarking on a Vivitrol treatment plan, it's important to understand the potential side effects and safety precautions associated with this medication. Vivitrol has proven to be beneficial in treating opioid use disorder and alcohol dependence, but like all medications, it comes with its own set of considerations.

Safety Precautions

Vivitrol is a non-addictive medication and does not lead to physical dependency or withdrawal symptoms when stopped, making it the only FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder that is not addictive [3]. Moreover, Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, is not an opioid, is not addictive, and does not cause withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.

However, before starting Vivitrol treatment, individuals are advised to undergo urine tests to check for recent opiate use. Certain opiate drugs, such as methadone, may need to be stopped several days before starting naltrexone. Additionally, naloxone may need to be available to treat opioid overdose. (WebMD)

Despite its benefits, Vivitrol can cause serious side effects such as the risk of opioid overdose, severe injection site reactions, sudden opioid withdrawal, and liver damage or hepatitis due to naltrexone. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals and their healthcare providers to weigh the potential risks and benefits before starting a Vivitrol treatment plan.

Common Side Effects

Like most medications, Vivitrol may cause some side effects. According to WebMD, common side effects of Vivitrol may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Severe side effects may include liver damage, severe injection site reactions, and severe allergic reactions. Moreover, sudden opiate withdrawal symptoms can occur, particularly if the individual is physically addicted to opioids.

It's important for individuals taking Vivitrol to monitor for any side effects and to report them to their healthcare provider. In the event of severe side effects or reactions, immediate medical attention should be sought. Despite these potential side effects, Vivitrol remains an effective option for many individuals seeking assistance in their recovery journey.

Vivitrol vs. Sublocade

When considering treatment options for opioid use disorder, both Vivitrol and Sublocade have shown efficacy. However, there are differences between the two that may influence which is the best choice for a given individual.

A Comparative Analysis

According to a study by Lee and colleagues in 2017, both Suboxone and Vivitrol demonstrated potential in reducing relapse among individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. In a sample of 570 participants, the study found that 57% of individuals in the Suboxone group relapsed during the study, which was significantly less than the 65% relapse rate observed in the Vivitrol group.

However, the advantage of Suboxone in reducing relapse was most noticeable early in the treatment, within the first six weeks. For individuals who continued treatment beyond this period, Vivitrol began to show an advantage over Suboxone.

Efficacy and Differences

The study also highlighted that initiating treatment was more problematic with Vivitrol. While 94% of individuals assigned to the Suboxone group successfully started on the medication, only 72% of those assigned to Vivitrol were able to do the same.

However, when the analysis was limited to individuals who were successfully initiated on the treatment, the outcomes between Suboxone and Vivitrol were similar.

In terms of safety, the occurrence of adverse events, including overdose, was not significantly different between individuals receiving Suboxone versus Vivitrol. Of the 570 patients, 23 experienced an overdose during the study period, with five of these resulting in fatalities, indicating that less than 1% of individuals experienced an overdose.

A related study conducted in Norway found that Vivitrol performed equally well as, or in some cases better than, Suboxone. This was attributed to the setup of the study where all patients had already detoxified from opioids in Norway, removing the need to establish a period of abstinence before starting Vivitrol.

In conclusion, both Vivitrol and Sublocade have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them should be dictated by the individual's circumstances, including their ability to successfully initiate and continue treatment. More research is needed to further understand the nuances of each treatment and to refine guidelines for their use in treating opioid use disorder.

References

[1]: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html

‍[2]: https://www.drugs.com/vivitrol.html

‍[3]: https://www.townsendla.com/blog/vivitrol-and-how-can-it-help-with-recovery

‍[4]: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-144395/vivitrol-intramuscular/details

‍[5]: https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone

‍[6]: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/suboxone-vs-vivitrol-head-head-comparison/