Vivitrol (naltrexone) Side Effects, Uses Dosages
Side Effects for Vivitrol (naltrexone)
Not exactly sure on dosage but once a month went in for injection every month. White milky thick substance injected. I voluntarily admitted myself to outpatient services in IHC Dayspring in Utah. Therapy helped but was given choice of this or daily Naltrexone pills. This worked very well for 22-23 days of the month. Helped with the mental and emotional fortitude to not want to drink. Relapsed once and all benefits of alcohol was gone. Felt the sweatiness, nasty drink flavors, and increased heartbeat instead of positive side effects. This drug seemed to work super well. Side effects were non existent for me.
One of the few good drugs out there.
Positive results regarding craving reduction. Also, limits the euphoric effects of alcohol.
VIVITROL (NALTREXONE): This medication is used to treat alcohol abuse. It is used only in people who have been able to stop drinking for some time before starting treatment with naltrexone. You should not be drinking when you start naltrexone. It can help people drink less alcohol or stop drinking altogether. Naltrexone works in the brain to decrease the desire to drink. It does not work like some other treatments for alcohol abuse (e.g., disulfiram). It will not make you sick when taken with alcohol. This medication is also used to prevent relapse to opioid abuse, after opioid detoxification. It works by blocking the action of opioids. This medication must not be used in people currently taking opiates, including methadone. Doing so can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate antagonists. It is used as part of a complete treatment program for alcohol or opioid abuse (e.g., counseling, 12-step program, lifestyle changes). (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)
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