Sublocade vs Vivitrol: Efficacy, Dosage and Side Effects

Sublocade (buprenorphine) and Vivitrol (Naltrexone) are FDA-approved prescription injections used to treat opioid abuse and opioid addiction. They are both given once per month at different stages of recovery because they differ in:

• Ingredients
• Mode of action
• Benefits
• Potential risks

Learning about Sublocade vs Vivitrol differences can help you decide what to choose to manage your or your loved ones’ opioid use disorder (OUD).

Sublocade is a monthly buprenorphine injection, while Vivitrol is a monthly naltrexone shot. Both are covered by insurance. Contact ChoicePoint, Fairlawn Rehab, verify your insurance, and start your OUD treatment today!

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Comparing The Ingredient: Sublocade Vs Vivitrol 

Sublocade shots and Vivitrol shots are usually given under a medication-assisted program of a drug addiction treatment center. Although they both are injected once a month, the Sublocade vs Vivtrol mode of administration is different. Sublocade is given under the skin, and Vivitrol is injected into the muscles.

What Is Sublocade Made of?

The active ingredient in Sublocde is buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. As a result, it partially blocks the opioid receptors to help curb opioid cravings. Sublocade forms a store under the skin, from which buprenorphine is slowly released into the body throughout 28 to 30 days. 

What is Vivitrol Made of?

Vivitrol, on the other hand, consists of naltrexone, which is an opioid antagonist. It completely blocks the effects of opioids, unlike Sublocade, which partially activates the opioid receptors. It is important to quit using opioids before you start your Vivitrol treatment. 

How Are Sublocade and Vivitrol Used For Opioid Use Disorders?

When discussing Sublocade vs Vivitrol’s importance, it’s noteworthy that they can have a different effect on your opioid use disorder (OUD) recovery. Sublocade is usually used in the detoxification phase of opioid addiction recovery. It effectively addresses the psychological and physical symptoms of opioid use disorder while also helping in:

• Easing opioid withdrawal symptoms
• Producing lower intensity opioid-like high
• Helping maintain abstinence
• Reducing opioid cravings

Vivitrol is administered after the opioid detox. Since Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors, it has no addiction potential or risk of missing the drug. Vivitrol is beneficial as it:

• Helps people abstain from opioids
• Prevents people from getting high
• Lowers the intensity of opioid cravings
• Prevents opioid abuse relapse

Along with opioid addiction, Vivitrol is also used for treating alcohol use dependence. 

Sublocade vs Vivitrol Comparison

Vivitrol vs Sublocade: Weighing the Effectiveness

Sublocade and Vivitrol are both effective in treating opioid use disorder, depending upon your body’s requirements, addiction frequency, and stage of recovery. They share a unique role in your recovery to help you beat opioid addiction.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms

Sublocade is more effective in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms than Vivitrol when it comes to managing withdrawal symptoms. Unlike Sublocade, Vivitrol, if used during the detoxification phase, can enhance the effects of opioid withdrawal symptoms, making the withdrawal process unpleasant. You have to wait at least 7 days for opioids to leave your system to kickstart Vivitrol therapy. 

Dosage and Treatment Duration

“Sublocade comes in two dosages, 300 mg/1.5L and 100 mg/0.5 L. Sublocade treatment begins with 300 mg/1.5 L. After two months, if your condition is stable, the Sublocade dosage is reduced to 100 mg/0.5 L for as long as opioid withdrawal lasts and you need to cope with drug cravings”, Aribah Graves, Peer Recovery Support Specialist at ChoicePoint.

Abirah also shared her notes about the Vivitrol shot timeline: “I tell my patients never to decide on the dose and treatment timeline on their own. Take your clinical doctor in the loop. Vivitrol comes in a single-strength, 380 mg/4 mL injection, which is sometimes given for months but mostly for a year. Although it can be given for more than a year in some cases, it all depends on your recovery goals.”

Risk Of Addiction Or Misuse

Buprenorphine in Sublocade only partially blocks the opioid receptors in the brain. Although less intense, a Sublocade shot can make you feel high like opioids do, but the intensity of this high is lower. It means Sublocade can result in physical and mental dependence. At the same time, Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. Vivitrol does not have any addiction potential or misuse risk associated with it. It’s very safe to use as long as your doctor recommends it.

Vivitrol vs Sublocade: Overdose Potential

Both Vivitrol and Sublocade are administered under medical supervision by a medical professional. When taken according to the doctor’s recommendations, they do not result in an overdose. However, since Subocade has a dependency potential, becoming addicted to the drug can result in an overdose in the long run. So, it’s always advisable to follow your prescription and report immediately to your doctor if you think there is any change in your habits. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

What Should I Choose For Opioid Use Disorder?

To be honest, there is not any universal ‘right’ medication for opioid use disorder. It all boils down to your needs, what stage are you in your recovery, and how well your body can bear the effects of Sublocade vs Vivitrol. Answers to these questions can, however help choose the best treatment for your condition:

• Do I need to reduce drug cravings or prevent a relapse?
• Have I passed the detoxification phase?
• Is my liver working fine?
• Can I develop dependency again?
• Can I deal with nausea, constipation, and other milder side effects?

Vivitrol vs Sublocade is an interesting debate, but the best answer lies with your doctor. They can interact with your other medications or opioids, which can result in havoc in your body. So, always consult an expert addiction professional to navigate the decision-making process effectively.

Get Your Sublocade and Vivitrol From ChoicePoint In NJ

A rehab often combines MAT (medication-assisted program) with addiction therapies so that you can improve your behavior along with physical addiction. You can also reach out to ChoicePoint by calling us at [direct] if you need help with managing opioid addiction, withdrawal symptoms, or any mental repercussions. We offer detox, medication-assisted programs, and addiction therapies to help our clients achieve long-term sobriety.

Some More Insights Into Sublocade vs Vivitrol

Let’s understand Vivitrol and Sublocade a bit more through our clients’ frequently asked queries.

How Does Sublocade Make You Feel?

While Sublocade is extremely effective in treating Oopioud dependency, it does come with some side effects. Some of the reactions you can experience include:

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Pain and Itching at the site of injection

However, these symptoms won’t last long, but if they do, contact your addiction professional immediately.

Can You Take Suboxone On Sublocade?

While there aren’t any negative interactions reported of taking Suboxone and Sublocade together. But, taking anything without your doctor’s prescription is not recommended. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any other medication with Sublocade.

Is Sublocade the Same as Vivitrol?

No, Sublocade and Vivitrol are two different medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Sublocade is a partial opioid agonist, whereas Vivitrol completely blocks the opioid’s effects. Sublocade is used during the detox phase, and Vivitrol is helpful once you have completed it.

Does Sublocade Have Naltrexone In It?

No, Sublocade has buprenorphine as an active ingredient. Buprenorphine partially blocks the opioid receptors in the brain to block the opioid drug cravings. 

Can You Drink Alcohol on a Sublocade shot?

You shouldn’t drink alcohol while you are on Sublocade therapy. Alcohol can increase the intensity of side effects associated with Sublocade, resulting in respiratory depression (very slow breathing).

References

1. Food and Drug Administration. Drug Approvals and Databases
   https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases
2. Science Direct. 2020.A comprehensive review of partial opioid agonists for the treatment of chronic pain
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521689620300446
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 2024. Opioid Antagonists
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725764/