Vivitrol Pills for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Vivitrol for alcohol use disorder treatment is an extended-release injection. Vivitrol contains the active ingredient naltrexone, which is also available in pill form. Therefore, Vivitrol pills are Naltrexone pills. Naltrexone pill is FDA-approved medication for alcohol and opioid addiction treatment. 

It can help you fight alcohol addiction by:

• Reducing alcohol cravings
• Blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol
• Helping to prevent relapse

While Naltrexone is a safe medication for alcohol addiction treatment, there are many factors to consider when taking this medication. Are you the right candidate for Naltrexone treatment? What is the insurance coverage for Naltrexone? And what are the precautions and side effects to consider when taking these pills? Read on to find answers to all of these questions are answered through this medically-reviewed blog.

ChoicePoint provides insurance-covered online Naltrexone prescriptions. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment. 

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Highlights 

• Vivitrol is a monthly injection. It has Naltrexone as an active ingredient.
• Vivitrol is not available in pill form. However, the active ingredient of Vivitrol, Naltrexone, is available as a pill.
• Naltrexone treats alcohol addiction by reducing alcohol cravings and by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol
• Both Naltrexone pills and injection (Vivitrol) are covered by insurance 
• Several research and user reviews establish that Vivitrol and Naltrexone pills work for alcohol addiction treatment 
• ChoicePoint offers insurance-covered Naltrexone prescriptions. You can call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment with us. 

Is There a Pill Form of Vivitrol?

Vivitrol does not come in pill form. If you are looking for a Vivitrol pill, then your doctor may recommend generic Naltrexone pills. Both Vivitrol and Naltrexone pills have the same active ingredients (Naltrexone) and there isn’t much difference in formulation except being in injectable and pill form.

Naltrexone tablet is taken at 50 mg dosage per day. Naltrexone treats alcohol addiction by:

• Acting as Opioid Antagonist: Acts as an opioid antagonist to block the effects of both opioids and alcohol.
• Effective Craving Control: Naltrexone reduces cravings by blocking alcohol’s effects on the brain, making it easier to avoid drinking.
• Long-Term Recovery Support: Works best as part of a comprehensive treatment program, including therapy and counseling.
• Reduced Risk of Relapse: By preventing alcohol from providing a “high,” it helps to maintain sobriety and avoid relapse.

Does Naltrexone (Injection and Tablet) Work for Alcohol?

Yes, Naltrexone works for alcohol addiction treatment. Here are a few perspectives about Naltrexone treatment:

What Users Say About Naltrexone?

Naltrexone treatment generally has positive reviews and there are very few associated side-effects. Many users prefer this treatment because of no withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. Other than this it is a preferred choice among clients at ChoicePoint because Naltrexone helps to reduce alcohol cravings. 

What Doctors Say About Vivitrol Pills for Alcohol?

Here is what our Executive Clinical director says about Vivitrol (Naltrexone) pills.

Scientific Data on the Effectiveness of Naltrexone for Alcohol Abuse Treatment

Naltrexone is a research-based treatment that has passed many clinical trials, proving its effectiveness for addiction treatment.

• Efficacy: Research shows that naltrexone helps individuals reduce alcohol consumption and maintain abstinence.
• Clinical Trials: Studies such as those published in The Lancet and JAMA confirm that naltrexone reduces the risk of relapse by 35% to 40%.
• Improved Abstinence Rates: A study published in NIH demonstrated a significant improvement in drinking outcomes for those who took Vivitrol compared to placebo groups.
• Increased Treatment Retention: Studies show that Naltrexone, especially when combined with therapy, increases treatment retention and long-term sobriety.

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Getting Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Prescribed for Alcohol Addiction Treatment? Here is What You Should Know

Have you been prescribed Naltrexone? Here are all the details you need to know before starting Naltrexone treatment. 

Who Can Take Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is generally prescribed to adults who are looking to manage their cravings. 

• Adults 18 and Older: It is suitable for people aged 18 and above who struggle with alcohol use disorder.
• Must-Have Completed Detox: Individuals must complete alcohol detox before starting Vivitrol to avoid withdrawal complications.
• Not for Opioid Users: Naltrexone should not be taken by people who are actively using opioids, as it can precipitate severe withdrawal symptoms.

Suggested Read: What to avoid when taking Naltrexone?

Precautions While Taking Naltrexone and Side Effects to Be Aware of 

• Liver Health Monitoring: Naltrexone can cause liver damage in rare cases, so regular liver function tests are necessary.
• Pregnancy: Not recommended during pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended during breastfeeding unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Alcohol Use: Many users ask us, what happens if you drink on Naltrexone? Alcohol consumption while taking Naltrexone is discouraged and may interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. At the same time, there is a newer Sinclair Method that recommends taking pills before alcohol. It works on the theory that Naltrexone takes the pleasure out of drinking, so a person will not associate pleasure with drinking, thus discouraging its use. However, the data on this method is very limited, so this procedure is not widely recommended. 
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions are rare, but some allergic reactions may occur. In this case, seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.

Suggested Read: Does Naltrexone side effects outweigh its advantages?

Insurance Coverage of Vivitrol Pills and Injection

Many insurance companies cover the full or partial cost of Naltrexone.

• Insurance Acceptance: Many major insurance companies, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover Naltrexone as part of addiction treatment plans. ChoicePoint accepts insurance for Naltrexone prescriptions. You can verify your insurance online to know the exact coverage details.
• Coverage Variance: Insurance coverage for Vivitrol injections and pills may vary depending on your plan and specific addiction treatment benefits. Some sources report no out-of-payment costs. But the exact coverage depends on your state policy, insurance plan, and your insurance policy. 
• Financial Assistance: Some drug manufacturers, Vivitrol Co-savings programs, and non-profit organizations offer programs to help cover the cost of treatment for those without sufficient insurance coverage.

The Benefits of Taking Naltrexone

Side Effects and Risk of Withdrawal for Naltrexone 

Naltrexone side effects are rare, but common side effects include:

Short-term Side Effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Insomnia

Severe Side Effects

• Liver toxicity (rare, but requires monitoring)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Risk of Withdrawal After You Stop Taking The Medicine

Naltrexone does not cause withdrawal symptoms directly, but if you take opioids with Naltrexone, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. So, opioid detox is required before starting Vivitrol for those with opioid dependence.

Who Can Prescribe Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Pills for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Naltrexone can be prescribed by healthcare providers who specialize in addiction medicine, including doctors, psychiatrists, and addiction counselors.

Some professionals who can prescribe Naltrexone pills include:

• Physicians (MD)
• Nurse Practitioners (NP)
• Osteopathic Physicians (DO)
• Psychiatrists 

While any doctor can prescribe Naltrexone, it is essential to get a prescription from a doctor who has experience in dealing with patients with substance abuse disorder. This will help to create a custom plan that fits your needs. 

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Get Same-day Naltrexone Prescription in New Jersey 

ChoicePoint makes it possible to get an online, insurance-covered Naltrexone prescription without the hassle of visiting a rehab. It is essential to have a healthcare provider experienced in addiction treatment to monitor your progress and manage side effects during Naltrexone treatment. This is why ChoicePoint offers an online and in-person Naltrexone treatment program. 

Our doctors create a custom treatment plan just for you. We monitor your progress to adjust your dosage and recommend the best possible treatment options. Furthermore, Naltrexone works best when prescribed in combination with therapy, counseling, and support groups. So we offer addiction therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, and prescription all on one platform. To book a consultation, please call us at 844.445.2565.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vivitrol Pills For Alcohol Dependence

We have answered more of our questions related to Naltrexone 50 mg tablet and injection below:

Is There a Pill That Can Stop You From Drinking?

There are three FDA-approved medications to help you abstain from drinking. These are:

• Naltrexone
• Acamprosate
• Disulfiram 

Is There a Shot to Keep You From Drinking?

Yes, Naltrexone shots are available as monthly injections. These help to control alcohol cravings.

Can Vivitrol be Taken Orally?

No, Vivitrol is an injection, which is administered in the buttocks. Naltrexone pills ReVia or Depade can be taken orally.

How Does Vivitrol Make You Feel?

After you get Vivitrol, you may experience some soreness and swelling on the reaction site. After some time, it gradually reduces alcohol cravings. 

Sources

1. Anton R. F. (2008). Naltrexone for the management of alcohol dependence. The New England journal of medicine, 359(7), 715–721. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMct0801733
2. Kiefer F, Jahn H, Tarnaske T, et al. Comparing and Combining Naltrexone and Acamprosate in Relapse Prevention of Alcoholism: A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(1):92–99. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.60.1.92
3. Johnson B. A. (2007). Naltrexone long-acting formulation in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 3(5), 741–749.