Vivitrol (Naltrexone) for Depression

Overview
Vivitrol is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence in people who have completed opioid detoxification. It is intended for individuals who are opioid-free for at least seven to 10 days before starting treatment and should be used as part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. Vivitrol is also known by its drug name, naltrexone.

Vivitrol belongs to a class of drugs called opioid antagonists. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, which prevents the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. This helps reduce cravings and the risk of relapse in people recovering from opioid use disorder.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Vivitrol is administered by a healthcare provider as a deep intramuscular injection in the gluteal muscle, typically once every four weeks or once a month. Each injection should be given in alternating buttocks. The drug should only be administered after an opioid-free period of at least seven to 10 days to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Vivitrol should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Vivitrol include hepatic enzyme abnormalities (changes in liver function tests), injection site pain, nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms), insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and toothache.

Rare but serious side effects may include vulnerability to opioid overdose (due to reduced opioid tolerance), severe injection site reactions (which may require surgery), precipitation of opioid withdrawal (sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, eosinophilic pneumonia (a rare lung condition that can cause shortness of breath and low oxygen levels), and hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling under the skin), or anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

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Label: Vivitrol — Naltrexone Kit — DailyMed