What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol is a medication used to help patients overcome an addiction to opioids. New Life Recovery Solutions will prescribe Vivitrol for use only after detoxification to help patients avoid relapse.
How does it work?
Opioids attach to specific receptors in the brain that release dopamine. The release of dopamine is responsible for many of the effects patients experience when they take an opioid, as well as the patient’s physical dependence on the opioid. Vivitrol contains a substance that’s an opioid receptor antagonist, which means that it binds to the opioid receptors but doesn’t release any dopamine. When patients consume this substance, it will block the opioid receptors without putting the patient at risk of addiction. Patients must take Vivitrol once each month to continue blocking these receptors while they recover.
When is Vivitrol appropriate?
Vivitrol is appropriate for patients who struggle with an opioid addiction and have already completed the detoxification process. After detoxification, Vivitrol can help these patients control their cravings for the drug. Vivitrol may not be safe or appropriate for every patient, so patients should consult the staff at New Life Recovery Solutions to determine whether Vivitrol is right for them.
Does Vivitrol cause side effects?
Although Vivitrol can effectively reduce cravings for Opioids, this drug may cause side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
What are the risks of treatment with Vivitrol?
Some patients may experience bothersome side effects while taking Vivitrol. However, patients taking this drug aren’t at risk of developing a new addiction.
How does New Life Recovery Solutions use Vivitrol?
New Life Recovery Solutions may prescribe Vivitrol to patients who have already gone through opioid detoxification and are now in recovery. The professionals at New Life Recovery Solutions typically use Vivitrol in combination with other therapies designed to support the patient, including individual and family counseling and patient education. Vivitrol is available on-site for the convenience of patients. While the patient is taking Vivitrol, the staff at New Life Recovery Solutions will provide frequent monitoring to ensure that the patient is taking the medication correctly and that it isn’t causing any severe side effects.
