Medication Assisted Treatment
Person on park bench with his head in his hands wondering about vivitrol side effects
By BrightView
Published: May 11, 2023
Updated: February 21, 2024

Medically assisted treatment is increasingly essential for people across the U.S. who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, the country remains in an opioid epidemic caused by prescription and illicit substances such as fentanyl and heroin. Vivitrol is increasingly popular for medically assisted treatment (MAT), which involves administering medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Understanding Vivitrol side effects and benefits can help you determine if this treatment is right for you.

If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about the success of Vivitrol treatment programs, call BrightView now. Our nationwide outpatient clinics provide medically assisted treatment with Vivitrol and other opioid rehab medications. Call us now at 888.501.9865 to speak with our intake specialists and learn more about the side effects of Vivitrol.

What Is Vivitrol for Opioid Addiction Recovery?

Vivitrol is a non-addictive, injectable prescription medicine for opioid recovery. Taken once a month, it is the extended-release name brand of a medication called naltrexone. Vivitrol is one of the safest, most effective ways to reduce opioid and opiate reuse.

Vivitrol works like other opioid recovery medications. It blocks opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings for opioids and alcohol. Unlike other opioid rehab medications, Vivitrol requires a patient to be drug-free for one to two weeks before their first injection to avoid sudden withdrawal symptoms. While Vivitrol is a prescription medication with fewer risks than opioid use, it is essential to remember all medicines have potential side effects.

Common Side Effects of Vivitrol

The benefits of Vivitrol frequently outweigh its adverse effects. However, it’s crucial to be aware of common Vivitrol side effects, which can include:

  • Injection site tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Low appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps or joint pain
  • Headaches

Most of Vivitrol’s side effects are short-term. Like any medication, it can take a patient a few weeks or months to adjust to Vivitrol. Like other opioid rehab medications, medical providers may adjust doses to reduce side effects and meet each patient’s needs.

Is Vivitrol the Right Medication For Me?

Vivitrol can benefit people with an opioid use disorder looking for long-term sobriety. This treatment may be appropriate for you if:

  • Quitting cold turkey hasn’t worked.
  • You’ve taken opiates or opioids for a long time.
  • You can commit to visiting a rehab center monthly for injections.
  • You live in a drug-free home.
  • You are highly independent.
  • You are in addiction therapy, NA, support groups, or a treatment program.
  • You are comfortable with needles and injections.

Vivitrol can make all the difference for people living with opioid addiction. For those comfortable with injections, this medicine can reduce clinic visits, save time, and increase feelings of normalcy more quickly than other medications. Medically assisted treatment with Vivitrol is ideal for outpatient treatment. With fewer cravings, patients return to their lives, focus on addiction therapy, and make lasting changes that promote overall wellness and a higher quality of life.

Start Outpatient Vivitrol Treatment Today at BrightView

If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about the benefits of treatment with Vivitrol, call BrightView today. With clinics in eight states, our accessible outpatient treatment programs make Vivitrol and other medications affordable for our clients.

Our nationwide clinics know accessibility is the key to short-and long-term recovery. We take walk-in appointments, Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients. If you’re looking for a recovery treatment center that treats patients like people and addiction like a disease, BrightView can help.

Still worried about the side effects of Vivitrol? Our staff is here to answer your questions. Call today and feel better tomorrow. Call 888.501.9865 or complete our online form to learn more about our Vivitrol treatment programs.