What Are the Side Effects of Vivitrol?

If you’ve been through a rehab program to break free of opioids or alcohol addiction, you may have used the drug Vivitrol. Vivitrol is a relatively recent drug that is commonly used for the treatment of alcohol dependence or to prevent relapse in patients struggling with opioid dependence. It can help users break free from dependence by blocking the intense high that often accompanies opioids, resulting in the user experiencing only negative effects from the substance. It also blocks any pleasurable feelings associated with alcohol use. This effect is said to help curtail the power of substance cravings. However, you may be wondering, “What are the side effects of Vivitrol?”

Vivitrol is generally administered one time in a 30-day period at a dosage level of 380 mg. It is rising in popularity because of its convenient once-a-month dosage. Doctors should use this drug in conjunction with other treatment programs as an additional tool. It should only be used under the supervision of medical professionals.

Common Vivitrol Side Effects

These are only some of the side effects of Vivitrol. To learn more, please see the insert that comes with the medication or ask a medical professional.

• Tiredness or difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Painful joints
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Decreased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Cold symptoms
• Toothache
• Decreased sex drive
• Anxiety and/or nervousness

Serious Vivitrol Side Effects

Like most other medications, Vivitrol use has proven to cause a number of serious side effects. Reactions can include opioid withdrawal, opioid overdose, liver damage, hepatitis, reaction at the injection site, serious allergic reactions, allergic pneumonia or depressed mood. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Eye disturbances
• Rapid heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Clay-colored stools
• Lightheadedness
• A hard lump, redness or other skin changes at the injection site
• Ringing in the ears or ear pain

It’s important to remember that you should not use narcotics, heroin, or any other street drug while you are using Vivitrol. Doing so can be hazardous to your health, and can lead to a coma or death. You should also ask a doctor or a rehab staff member about using medications to treat a cough, cold, or pain while you’re using Vivitrol. Certain medications contain alcohol or narcotics and may cause serious damage to your health.

Learn More About the Side Effects of Vivitrol at Promises

Ultimately, the side effects of Vivitrol are minimal. If you can withstand them, you can be on the path to sobriety. At Promises Behavioral Health, we are committed to helping you through the detoxification process, through the use of medication-assisted treatment and other programs. After that, we can begin the process of helping you heal your mind, body, and soul from addiction. We offer a wide range of programs and we can help you overcome a variety of dependencies, including:

• Alcohol addiction
• Opioid addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• Prescription pain medication addiction

To learn more about our programs or medical detox treatment using Vivitrol, contact us at 844.875.5609 today.