Vivitrol Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs and Detoxification

Because there are no Vivitrol withdrawal symptoms, treatment is not necessary. As it is administered during an office appointment, there is no risk of overdose.


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Vivitrol is a medication used to treat addiction. It is injected into the muscle of an addict once every four weeks to help control drug and alcohol cravings. It is safe and effective and non-habit forming. The user will not suffer Vivitrol withdrawal when the use of the medication is stopped. Once administered, the medication takes effect within two days and lasts for an entire month. It can be used long term without any ill effects.

Withdrawing from Vivitrol: Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Because there are no Vivitrol withdrawal symptoms, Vivitrol withdrawal treatment is not necessary. As the medication is administered by a physician during a scheduled office appointment, there is no risk of overdose. The medication works by blocking the opiate receptors in the brain to control cravings. If a person decides to use alcohol or drugs while Vivitrol is in their system, they will not feel the effects of being high.

This medication can cause side effects in some individuals. These effects include, but are not limited to:

  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Painful joints
  • Muscle cramps
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dizziness

Any side effects should be reported to your physician. Typically, these side effects will go away after a few days.

Vivitrol is usually used in conjunction with other treatment methods in order to fight addiction. Inpatient treatment programs allow a person to go through detox while under constant medical supervision. The addict may be given Vivitrol along with acamprosate or disulfiram to help fight the addiction. Group and individual therapies are also used to help addicts discover why they turned to alcohol or drug overuse.

A counselor can help the person identify their underlying issues and help the addict find new hobbies that are healthy and productive. Good time management is often the key to success in a recovery program. It prevents the user from becoming idle, which can often lead to boredom and relapse.

Outpatient programs can also be used instead of inpatient centers. These programs allow the addict to spend the majority of their day in a treatment facility. At the end of the day, they are allowed to return home. This method of treatment is used for less severe cases of addiction and costs less than traditional inpatient centers.

How Long Do Vivitrol Withdrawals Last?

The average withdrawals timeline is anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. The duration of symptoms depends on how long a patient has been taking it and how much they have had injected into their body.


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Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab and Recovery

Once an individual has completed the initial stage of detox, they enter a phase of rehab and recovery. As there is no risk of Vivitrol withdrawal, a person can continue using the medication as long as they need to, or as long as their doctor determines the treatment is useful.

Most medications are used only during the detox phase, but the continued use of Vivitrol may prevent relapse. It is important for counseling and therapy to continue during the early months of rehab so the individual can discuss a plan of action to prevent use. Drug addiction is a disease that can be managed effectively, allowing the recovering addict to live a normal, healthy life. Group therapy is often a very important part of the recovery process.

This type of therapy often involves a 12-step program that builds self-esteem and self-confidence. A 12-step program is intended to help the individual identify people they may have hurt in the past. It also allows them to make restitution so they take responsibility for past actions. This is part of the process of starting over and building their life anew.

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

There is no known home remedy or alternative medicine effective enough to relieve symptoms that come with withdrawing from Vivitrol. To ease the severity of symptoms that come with detoxing, it is important to seek professional help right away. If you or a loved one are going through withdrawal symptoms, you should look for relief by visiting a rehabilitation center or talking to a physician.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Vivitrol?

Proper detoxification of the system can take a few weeks. Detoxing can be sped up if proper medical rehabilitation programs are used.



Vivitrol Information at a Glance
Medication Name, Costs Class of Medicine
  • Generic Name: Naltrexone
  • Generic Name Variations: N/A
  • Chemical Name: Naltrexone Hydrochloride
  • Brand Name: Vivitrol
  • Brand Name Variations: ReVia, Depade
  • Cost/Price: Between $45 and $90
  • Used to Treat Addiction? Yes
  • Function or Use at Low Dose: Used to treat cravings of alcohol and illicit drugs
  • Function or Use at High Dose: Treatment of alcohol and other drug cravings
  • Chemical Makeup: C20NO4
  • System: Opioid antagonist
  • Duration of Action: Up to 12 hours
Form, Intake, and Dosage Interactions and Complications
  • Drug Forms: Suspension
  • Administration Routes: Intramuscular injection
  • Dosage: 380 mg
  • Overdose: Overdose of Vivitrol is difficult to gauge due to different dosage needs in different patients.
  • Alcohol Interaction: Vivitrol is made to create negative side effects when taken with alcohol.
  • Illicit Drugs: Adverse side effects, particularly in the abdominal region, will occur.
  • Prescription Medications: Adverse side effects when taken with other Opioids.
  • Contraindications: Acute hepatitis or liver failure, concomitant Opioid use
Effects and Adverse Reactions Substance Abuse
  • Short-Term: Headaches, dizziness, nervousness, fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, somnolence
  • Long-Term: Addiction, acute liver damage
  • Risk of Substance Abuse: Low
  • Signs of Abuse: Chronic fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, anxiety, changes in blood pressure, hallucinations
Physiological Problem Signs and Symptoms Dependence and Addiction Issues
  • Withdrawal Syndrome Onset: 10 to 24 hours after the last dose
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Shakiness, insomnia, anxiety, abdominal pain
  • Tolerance: Users may develop tolerance.
  • Cross Dependence: Alcohol
  • Physical Dependence: Rare
  • Psychological Dependence: Possible
Legal Schedules and Ratings
  • Controlled Substances Act Rating: N/A