How Long Does It Take For Vivitrol To Work

Vivitrol is an extended-release prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcohol employ disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Vivitrol helps reduce the risk of relapse and maintain long-term abstinence by reducing cravings for booze and opioids. Vivitrol for AUD was approved in 2006, while it was simply approved for OUD in 2010. Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, is currently the but medication for opioid employ disorder (MOUD)  that isn't classified as a controlled substance.

Vivitrol contains naltrexone every bit the active ingredient. Its non-addictive and not-narcotic features brand Vivitrol an effective treatment for OUD and AUD due to its low potential for misuse. Vivitrol is most constructive in addiction treatment when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapies and counseling. Vivitrol is available as an intramuscular injection to be administered one time a month by a licensed healthcare provider.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol works by blocking the effects of alcohol and opioids over a certain period. It blocks the endorphins released while drinking from binding to their receptors and, in turn, reduces the effects of alcohol and increases the likelihood of long-term abstinence. When used as part of an OUD treatment, Vivitrol works by directly attaching itself to the opioid receptors and blocking other opioids from interacting with them. This function reduces cravings and relapses while in recovery.

Vivitrol is but given to people who have been off opioids for at least 7-fourteen days. Vivitrol combined with counseling and therapy has a 90% success charge per unit in helping people stay in handling and maintain sobriety. However, it'due south important to empathize that Vivitrol is not a consummate cure for AUD or OUD. It's simply a medication that helps people in recovery reduce cravings and the take chances of relapses.

How Is Vivitrol Administered?

Co-ordinate to the Substance Abuse and Mental Wellness Services Administration 'south (SAMHSA) Handling Improvement Protocol (TIP), Vivitrol is ordinarily packed forth with a special needle and is administered only using that syringe once a month. The medication is injected into the muscle in one of the buttocks in a 380-mg dosage. Most healthcare providers alternate between the buttocks for subsequent injections throughout treatment. This practice is called rotating injection sites and is done with the sole intention of reducing the possibility of scarring and injection site reactions that may occur due to receiving the medication in the same identify.

Individuals must stay gratuitous of opioids for 7-14 days earlier receiving Vivitrol for OUD to reduce the likelihood of sudden opioid withdrawal syndrome (SOWS). Equally a medication for alcohol use disorder (MAUD), Vivitrol can be used by active booze users. Earlier the assistants of Vivitrol, healthcare providers conduct a few tests to check for liver disease and possible allergic reaction to naltrexone, polylactide-co-glycolide (PLG), carboxymethylcellulose, and other ingredients of Vivitrol. Only afterward meeting the requirements and conditions volition a person be deemed eligible to receive a Vivitrol shot.

How Long Does Vivitrol Shot Last?

Vivitrol is a slow-release form of naltrexone that is designed to concluding in the body for a month. The effects of Vivitrol peak after 2 hours of the initial administration and superlative again afterwards two to iii days of handling. The concentration of the medication in the trunk will begin to decline two weeks after dosing but will be detectable for upwardly to 25 to 50 days later on the initial assistants. Nevertheless, the testable time range for Vivitrol may differ from person to person based on several factors such equally:

• Metabolism
• Torso mass
• Age
• Gender
• Medical history
• Exercise habits
• Hydration level

What to Expect After a Vivitrol Shot?

As with all medications, Vivitrol tin can also cause a few negative side effects ranging from mild to severe. Most of such side effects tend to subside over time or be addressed duly by the treatment provider.

Some of the mutual side effects of Vivitrol are:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Tum cramps
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Depressed mood
• Articulation hurting
• Skin rash
• Musculus aches
• Weight gain
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Symptoms of jaundice
• Symptoms of pneumonia

Low caused past Vivitrol tin sometimes exist astringent and lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. People should contact their healthcare provider if they experience the following symptoms or worsening symptoms of depression while on Vivitrol:

• Sadness
• Crying spells
• Thoughts of self-impairment or suicide
• Unusual changes in ambition (feeling more or less hungry than usual)
• Losing interest in activities
• Feeling hopeless and helpless
• Sleeping much more than or much less than usual

People may besides develop injection site reactions, such as hurting, swelling and bruising, subsequently receiving Vivitrol. Most of such injection site reactions are usually mild and tend to disappear on their own. Nevertheless, severe Injection site reactions may sometimes require surgeries. And and so, it'southward of import to talk to a healthcare provider right away if someone faces whatsoever of the above adverse reactions during treatment. Medical professionals should be able to take the necessary measures to stop such allergic reactions from worsening.

Can Y'all Overdose on Vivitrol?

Although it'south theoretically possible to overdose on naltrexone, the hazard is comparatively depression for Vivitrol as it's strictly administered by a licensed healthcare provider once a month. Notwithstanding, there is a serious take a chance of an opioid overdose rather than a Vivitrol overdose when individuals consume large quantities of opioids during treatment. Since Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids, trying to overcome this blockade by consuming large doses of opioids tin cause overdose, serious injuries, blackout, or even death.

The risk of opioid overdose also remains high when an individual relapses after a period of Vivitrol treatment.  This is caused by the natural decrease in opioid tolerance afterward a menstruation of abstinence, making even the well-tolerated doses before treatment at present lethal. Seek immediate medical attention during an overdose equally it may lead to fatal consequences.

While Vivitrol remains the preferred choice of medication for many individuals battling AUD and OUD, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits and seek a medical professional person's advice before taking this monthly injection.

If you are seeking aid with your loved 1'south addiction, contact u.s.a. today or complete our quick contact form below, to speak with an addiction treatment specialist.

If you need help with your substance use disorder, we are here to assistance y'all build your confidence and momentum towards the futurity you want. We provide handling services for adults with alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders. We are currently located in Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.

Source: https://www.eleanorhealth.com/blog/how-long-does-vivitrol-shot-last

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