Naltrexone

What is the difference between naltrexone and Vivitrol?

Naltrexone is a medication-assisted treatment for alcohol and opioid addiction. Vivitrol® is the brand name for a high-dose, time-released naltrexone given by injection. 

Only a medical professional can administer Vivitrol. Naltrexone is also available in pill form in lower doses.

Magnolia Medical Group follows the harm reduction protocol for treating substance use disorders. The team recognizes that addiction is a chronic disease that affects the body and mind. They use naltrexone and Vivitrol for medication-assisted treatment to treat the disease and help maintain sobriety.

How does naltrexone work?

Naltrexone therapy helps people overcome their dependence on opioids and alcohol. The medication works on different receptors to reduce cravings and the effects the drugs have on the body.

Opioid use disorder

Only injectable forms of naltrexone are approved to treat opioid use disorder. The medication binds with endorphin and opioid receptors, preventing the euphoric feeling that occurs with opioid use to reduce drug cravings.

Vivitrol is the only medication approved to treat opioid use disorder. 

Alcohol use disorder

When naltrexone binds to the endorphin receptors in the body, it stops the feel-good effects of alcohol, decreasing consumption and cravings. Naltrexone also prevents alcohol use by triggering severe side effects like nausea and vomiting when alcohol enters the body. 

People with alcohol use disorder may take naltrexone in pill form a few times a week or by injection once a month. Magnolia Medical Group administers all forms of naltrexone, including Vivitrol, at the office.

I drink too much alcohol. Should I consider naltrexone?

The team at Magnolia Medical Group determines if you need naltrexone to decrease your use of alcohol. If you have alcohol use disorder, naltrexone can reduce your dependence on alcohol and help you transition to a drug-free lifestyle while participating in addiction therapy.

For opioid use disorder, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing you from getting high. Unlike other medications used to treat opioid addiction, like Suboxone® and buprenorphine, naltrexone isn’t an opioid and is non-addictive. 

Naltrexone isn’t a cure for addiction, but it can support your recovery by reducing the physical symptoms of your addiction so you can focus on the psychological symptoms that lead to long-term recovery. 

Call Magnolia Medical Group today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about naltrexone and Vivitrol.