What sets naltrexone and Vivitrol apart, although both are classified medication-assisted treatments for addictive disorders?
Both naltrexone and Vivitrol are medications that are FDA-approved to assist people in achieving recovery and abstaining from relapse.
The form, administration and action of naltrexone and Vivitrol are quite different. Naltrexone is available as an oral pill, whereas Vivitrol is an extended-release injection.
At CT Addiction Medicine, our professionals carefully facilitate our patients through medication-assisted treatment, providing the right information for our patients.
What is Naltrexone?
Naltrexone is an opioid blocker that works to obstruct the effects and response to opiates or alcohol in the brain.
It is available as an oral tablet that people can take daily. It is sometimes prescribed for someone who wants to manage himself/herself.
How It works
Since naltrexone blocks the euphoric effect, there will be less craving and less chance of relapse.
- Oral, one time per day
- It begins to work within 1 hour
- Works for opiates and alcohol
- Requires significant commitment and compliance.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is an injectable version of naltrexone with an extended-release dosage form. It is given as a monthly injection from a medical professional.
How it works
Similar to naltrexone, Vivitrol works by blocking opioid and alcohol receptors in the brain. It takes four weeks to release the medication after injection to achieve steady dose rates and therapeutic effect.
Key characteristics
- Will be given by the patient as a monthly injection.
- Reduces missed doses by giving it once a month.
- Helps maintain recovery by steady dosing.
- Commonly used in programs that contain a structure therapy plan.
Key Differences Between Naltrexone and Vivitrol
| Feature | Naltrexone (Oral) | Vivitrol (Injection) |
| Form | Daily oral pill | Monthly injection |
| Administration | Self-administered | Administered by a healthcare professional |
| Compliance | Depends on patient consistency | Improved due to professional administration |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal For | Self-disciplined patients | Those who prefer long-term coverage |
Vivitrol and Naltrexone for Alcoholism
Both Vivitrol and naltrexone for alcoholism dependency work to reduce cravings and cravings and effectively prevent relapse. When patients drink alcohol, both medications will block the euphoric and sedative effects of alcohol, discouraging drinking
Benefits for Alcohol Dependence
- Reduces the desire to drink.
- Prevents the rewarding effects of drinking.
- Helps with abstinence
- Supports therapy and counseling.
Can You Take Vivitrol and Naltrexone Together?
Both drugs contain the same active ingredient (naltrexone). Combining the two medicines can cause an increase in adverse effects and not improve efficacy.
There are times when oral naltrexone is prescribed as a trial before switching to Vivitrol. It helps to evaluate the patient’s tolerance to naltrexone .This process helps avoid adverse reactions, especially in patients with underlying liver complications.
What is the Difference Between Vivitrol and Naltrexone?
The reason this question comes up so frequently is both medications are used interchangeably for addiction treatment.
Effectiveness
Equally effective when ingesting as directed.
Patient Connivence
Vivitrol is easier to manage. Oral naltrexone is daily.
Overall Safety
Both medications are overall safe when medically supervised.
Effectiveness and Side Effects
Both naltrexone and Vivitrol are proven effective, but they may come with side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
- Liver inflammation
- Injection site pain (Vivitrol only)
- Allergic reactions
Regular follow-ups and liver function tests help manage these risks.
Who Should Use These Medications?
Both substances are appropriate for individuals who have previously detoxed from opioids or alcohol. They are not appropriate for people that are dependent on opioids or alcohol, as they may induce withdrawals.
Desirable Users
- People interested in maintaining abstinence
- Individuals who completed detoxification
- Patients with stable liver function
- People who will attend follow up care
Patient Experience and Compliance
Using the medication as prescribed usually means using it consistently, which is important to be able to benefit from treatment.
Patients on Vivitrol have better rates of treatment retention perhaps because they do not have to remember to take a pill each day.
Some patients will choose oral naltrexone, presumably because it is more flexible, and usually cheaper than Vivitrol.
Both forms of naltrexone can be effective, as long as there is a consistent pattern of use and under medical supervision.
Final Words
The choice of using Naltrexone and Vivitrol will depend on the motivators of recovery, the level of commitment, or what your medical requirements may be. Both naltrexone and Vivitrol are excellent medications to prevent relapse, but Vivitrol has more compliance with individuals because it is dosed once a month.
Whether you may be experiencing alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder; it’s best to have a professional discuss before the use of these medications.
At CT Addiction Medicine, we are focused on helping patients in a safe way based on the science we have supporting two medications – naltrexone and Vivitrol – combined with therapy and support
FAQs
Q:Can you take Vivitrol and Naltrexone together?
Both have the same active component. Using them together may cause side effects.
Q:Which is better for alcoholism; Vivitrol or Naltrexone?
Both works effectively for alcohol addiction. Vivitrol is ideal for patients who struggle with daily medication adherence.